As reported by the Muskegon Chronicle:

 

Flying under the public radar screen since a successful 2003 non-binding city of Muskegon ballot proposal supporting the concept of a casino for downtown Muskegon, Archimedes Group LLC now has unveiled a $2.4 billion concept plan for a downtown Muskegon waterfront casino resort that is predicated on federal tribal recognition for the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians.

The Archimedes plans made public Monday evening at a private event for community leaders left many stunned at the size and scope of the developers' dreams.

"I am very impressed with the project and what it holds for our community," Muskegon Mayor Steve Warmington said after the Archimedes presentation. "I think these plans are initially overwhelming for our community to comprehend. But I think they are realistic."

Opponents of a downtown casino quickly scoffed at whether a Muskegon casino could support such an ambitious development. Left unanswered is how the Grand River Band gains the ability to open an Indian casino in downtown Muskegon, but Archimedes spokesman Dick Anderson said the tribe is 'on the cusp' of federal recognition -- a critical step in the process.

"Archimedes has financed the tribe's struggle for federal recognition to the tune of more than $2 million over the past five years," Anderson said.