We have heard about it for years: at dinner parties, in line at the grocery store, playing at the local park....

"They plan on opening a Casino in South Chandler... right off of Hunt Highway and Gilbert Roads" is what was said.

"No way! Really? We have one just 15 miles from here off the I-10. Why would they want another one?"

Well today it was announced that the Gila River Indian Community plans on opening a 120,000 square foot casino just south of the Intersection of Hunt Highway and Gilbert Roads. The Tribe intends to add an even larger retail development plus a gold course at a later date. The Tribe feels that the timing is right for development of its lands to the south of Chandler and Gilbert, namely in the area of of Gilbert and Hunt Highway . This new casino development will break ground sometime in 2007 with a completion date in the fall of 2008. The new casino would house a food court, two eateries, a bingo hall and up to 750 slots machines.

The biggest concern for nearby residents in Springfield Lakes, Sun River and Cooper Commons is increased traffic on Hunt and Gilbert. The city maintains of Chandler maintains control of the intersection at Hunt and Gilbert where currently there are no stop lights, only a four way stop sign. The city has yet to meet with Tribal officials about what the Tribal expects the traffic patterns to be and how Chandler can address them on this side of the city bourndy with the Gila River Indian Community.

Another obvious concern to residents in the affected communities is the possible drop in home values. Many residents are considering selling their home now as opposed to later to avoid any decrease in their home value. Depending on what the final development will look like will certainly weigh heavily on the minds of homeowners bordering the development on Hunt Highway. How it is developed will certainly affect the value of the neighboring properties.

 Residents in the neighborhoods near the intersection are concerned about the increased traffic.  Currently Hunt Hwy and Gilbert Road has only a stop sign regulating traffic, both being only two lane roads. 

Neighborhoods affected will be: Cooper Commons, Sun River, Solera, Springfield Lakes, all which Border Gilbert or Hunt Highway.  The subdivisions of Sun Groves, Sun Bird, Mesquite Groves Estates, Riggs Ranch Meadows might also be affected. 

A resort style casino with all the amenities and luxuries might affect the surrounding areas in a positive way.  But the increased traffic is a major concern. 

What do you think?