Grand Traverse Band says it will convert Joyfield Township building into gaming facility, opening expected within two months

A representative of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians told the Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 26 that the Tribe plans to convert an existing community center near the Wesco gas station in Joyfield Township into a gaming facility with an expected opening within two months.

John Petoskey described the site and the Tribe’s current plans: the community center would be repurposed for gaming, parking would be provided on property across the street, and the Tribe would use its own law enforcement for on-site security. Petoskey said no traffic study has been completed to date but that the Tribe would conduct one if traffic impacts become a concern raised by local officials or residents.

The board did not take formal regulatory action on the proposal at the Nov. 26 meeting; the presentation served to inform commissioners and solicit any concerns the board wished to convey. The minutes record the Tribe’s timeline and basic site plans but do not include a traffic analysis or local land-use approvals tied to the presentation.

Why it matters: a new gaming facility can have local economic and traffic impacts; tribal gaming operations are governed by federal and tribal law and may involve coordination with local government on off-site issues such as parking and traffic management.

Next steps: the Tribe indicated it will proceed with site conversion and said it will complete a traffic study if requested; the board offered no formal recommendation at the Nov. 26 meeting.