Gov. Abercrombie Signs Act 195; Will Appoint 5-Member Commission to Establish Official Native Hawaiian Roll

Governor Enacts Bill To Further Self Determination For Native Hawaiians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2011

Honolulu –Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law a measure that recognizes Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawai'i. Act 195 gives the Governor the power to appoint a five-member Native Hawaiian Roll Commission that will build the foundation for self-determination.

“This is an important step for the future of Native Hawaiian self-determination and the ability for Native Hawaiians to decide their own future,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “This Commission will put together the roll of qualified and interested Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai'i’s indigenous people.”

Act 195 starts the process that will eventually lead to Native Hawaiian Recognition. While in the U.S. House of Representatives, then-Congressman Abercrombie worked closely with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka on moving the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which was first introduced in 1999. In 2000 and 2007, then-Congressman Abercrombie successfully shepherded the legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives committees and won approval by the full House... (Complete Press Release)

Hundreds attend Wednesday's Barstow casino hearing

 Barstow casino project renewed

enlarge

A sign depicting the proposed Barstow Casino stands in front of the property on Lenwood Road near the Hampton Inn Friday. A draft environmental impact statement was released Friday.

  Government overturns 2008 order

July 05, 2011

KAREN JONAS

Staff Writer

BARSTOW • Nearly a full decade after it was first proposed, an Indian gaming casino that would be located near the Barstow outlets has received a new breath of life after a draft environmental impact statement was released Friday.

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians — who have a reservation in a rural and mountainous area of San Diego County — first began plans for a casino near the Lenwood outlets in 2001.

The project stalled in 2008 after the Department of Interior issued a memorandum that required offreservation gaming casinos to be located within a “commutable distance” of the tribe’s reservation.

The application for the Los Coyotes casino in Barstow was rejected because of the new requirement, and the tribe filed another application in May 2008, said Suzanne Schaeffer, a lawyer working on the land trust application for the tribe.

Earlier this month, the Department of the Interior rescinded the memorandum and announced that it will move forward to process pending off-reservation gaming applications based on current federal law, according to a prepared statement from the Department of the Interior.

The Los Coyotes casino will have to undergo a “twopart test” in order to put the land — currently owned by BarWest Gaming Inc. — into federal trust and allow the casino to be constructed, Schaeffer said. Under the Indian Gaming and Regulation Act, the tribe must prove that off-reservation gaming is in the best interest of the tribe and is not detrimental to the surrounding community, and the governor also has to approve the project.

Another Ilitch Leaves Family Business

Atanas Ilitch to leave Olympia Development real estate company

6.14.2011

By Daniel Duggan

Atanas Ilitch is leaving the family business.

The son of pizza and sports icon Mike Ilitch said today that he is resigning as president of Olympia Development. The real estate company, owned by Mike and Marian Ilitch, handles the real estate for all their companies.

The move was announced in a press release issued today in which Atanas Ilitch cited “outside business interests” requiring his attention as he leaves Olympia Development.

“The team we have at Olympia Development is highly capable, which makes me very comfortable in making this move at this time,” he said in the press release.“ My personal business interests continue to require more of my day-to-day time and attention.

“In my opinion, this is a win-win, and I look forward to recruiting a highly capable and experienced individual to lead Olympia Development into the future.”

A request for an interview was sent to Ilitch this afternoon, but no response was given.

Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc., said his brother has been a key part of the business.

“I greatly appreciate the leadership that Atanas has provided at Olympia Development over the last six years and the tremendous vision and leadership he has shown in our community,” Chris Ilitch said in the statement.

“My brother is one of the most passionate and creative persons I know, and he is absolutely committed to making our community a better place for all.”

Atanas Ilitch became president of Olympia Development in 2005. He has held other positions in the Ilitch companies over the years, including president of Olympia Entertainment from 1993 to 2000.

The search will begin immediately for a new president of Olympia Development. Atanas will help find his successor and stay on until that person is appointed, according to the company’s statement.

Casino 'site' a beauty | Shinnecock Indians Pick Estée Lauder Property on Long Island

Casino 'site' a beauty

June 13, 2011

By SELIM ALGAR

An old Estée Lauder facility on Long Island has been chosen by the Shinnecock Indian Nation's gaming authority as a site for a long-planned casino, The Post has learned.

The sprawling 29-acre property in Yaphank, which once housed a distribution center for the cosmetics giant, recently got the nod from the tribe's divided gaming authority.

The site was a late consideration and gained momentum because the building -- the size of five football fields -- could easily house a casino and would eliminate the need for a new structure, sources said.

Located roughly 60 miles from Manhattan off Exit 66 of the Long Island Expressway, the facility was built in 1989 and has more than 230,000 square feet of space. There are already 800 parking spaces available.

"That would just speed things up," said a source close to the process. "Obviously, if you already have a building in place, that's a tremendous advantage."

But opponents argue the site isn't big enough for large-scale expansion.

Until recently, Brookhaven Airport and another Yaphank property were the front-runners. The tribe's full membership still has to approve the choice.

The tribe is also eyeing about 30 surrounding acres as potential space for expansion.

The parcel's current landlord, Rechler Equity, currently rents it to a paper-products company. Officials there didn't return calls for comment.

But it will still be a long time before anyone yanks a slot machine handle at the site. Even if the tribe successfully purchases the property and the surrounding acres, any nonreservation casino has to be placed in a federal trust, an increasingly difficult proposition for American Indian tribes.

Situated on a grim reservation amid the glitz and glamour of the Hamptons, the Shinnecocks have long argued that gaming would resuscitate their fading fortunes.

Shinnecock spokeswoman Beverly Jensen acknowledged the property has been vetted but said no final call has been made.

selim.algar@nypost.com 

Related Stories at Indianz.com: 

Report: Shinnecock Nation picks Long Island site for casino (6/14)
Report: Residents discuss Shinnecock Nation's casino bid (5/24)
Shinnecock Nation hasn't committed to a casino location (5/19)
Announcement expected for Shinnecock Nation casino plan (5/11)
Shinnecock Nation said to be close to reaching casino deal (4/28)

Blogger's NOTE: For nearly a decade Detroit Casino Syndicators Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Mrs. Marian Ilitch (Gateway Casino Resorts) have bankrolled various failed Casino Proposals on behalf of the Shinneock Indians.

Shinnecock tribe taking 1st step for L.I. casino | Crain's New York Business

Shinnecock tribe taking 1st step for L.I. casino | Crain's New York Business

4.27.2011

The Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, L.I., is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding by the end of this week, the first step in what will be a very long process of creating a casino on the island, according to sources. The new casino would someday compete against the highly anticipated racino scheduled to open at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens, this summer.

The agreement is expected to be with Nassau County, where the tribe has been eyeing Nassau Coliseum as a potential gaming site. Reports published on Wednesday indicate that the tribe is also in discussions with Suffolk County officials about building their gaming facility on a parcel of land in Yaphak. News of the pending memorandum of understanding was first reported by the The New York Post, earlier this month.

A spokeswoman for the tribe declined to comment, while a spokeswoman for Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano declined to comment...

indianz.com: Trustee Lance Gumbs ousted by Shinnecock Nation Voters

Shinnecock Nation voters oust incumbent trustee in run-off
4.13.2011

The Shinnecock Nation of New York held its first run-off election in over 200 years.

Voters ousted incumbent Lance Gumbs and elected Frederick C. Bess, a former trustee. This will be Bess's sixth term on the board.

This was the tribe's first election since gaining federal recognition last October.

Get the Story:
Bess Wins Shinnecock Trustee Runoff (The Southampton Patch 4/12)

Related Stories:
Shinnecock Nation holds first election after federal recognition (4/6)

Blogger's Update:  A published report in the Southampton News confirms some tribal members believe that Trustee Bess is a tool of Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.  Malik and his Gateway Casino Resorts syndicate have bankrolled the Shinnecock quest for Federal Recognition and other steps needed to develop gambling halls.  Some reports suggest Malik and his investors have spent upwards of $40 million advancing their casino dreams in New York. It's not clear what has caused the rift between Lance Gumbs and Malik but it seems to have driven a large wedge between the two.  It may be the notion that Gumbs prefers the Shinnecock develop gambling halls nearer their Long Island Reservation. Detroiter Malik might obviously like to open gambling halls more convenient to Manhattan -- perhaps even in New York Harbor.

Questions Surrounding $15K Gov. Cuomo Accepted From Detroit Casino Syndicator

UPDATED: NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Was Detroit casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr., trying to hide contributions to future New York Governor Andrew Cuomo? 

1.             Why is the name of the contributor of $5,000 made on 26-OCT-09 listed as Andrew Malik rather than Michael  J. Malik?  The address recorded for that donor is Michael J. Malik’s business address in Detroit.
2.             The $10,000 contribution made on 8-OCT-10 curiously records Malik’s name using initials rather than the standard “Michael J. Malik, Sr.” he records for most political contributions and uses a little known residential address while typically he records his business address on Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI.

(1)    MALIK, ANDREW  2211 WOODWARD AVENUE, FLOOR 10 DETROIT, MI 48201	$5,000.00	26-OCT-09	ANDREW CUOMO 2014, INC.	2010 January Periodic
(2)    MALIK, M.J.  350 ASPEN ROAD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009	$10,000.00	08-OCT-10	ANDREW CUOMO 2014, INC.	2010 11 Pre General

In October 2010, when Newsday.com was reporting some New York Senators were returning campaign contributions they received from Detroit casino syndicator Michael J.  Malik, Sr., why did Cuomo’s campaign keep the funds?  And why didn’t Newsday.com report that Malik had contributed to Cuomo?  Could it have been because those contributions weren’t obvious?  Was that intentional?

Malik has a history of violating campaign finance laws in California and he’s an expert at otherwise craftly reporting contributions elsewhere.

Also See: 
NY Senators Return Michael Malik's Campaign Contributions
Congressman Bishop Under Fire For Accepting Michael Malik's Contribution

Here They Go Again: Detroiters Planning Big Push for Commercial Gambling in Hawaii

Gambling Opponents, Supporters Lining Up for Start of Hawaii Legislature

1.14.2011

By Greg Wiles

...Hawaii is one of two states (Utah being the other) where some form of gambling isn’t allowed. More and more states have looked at expanding gambling as the recession punched a hole in their tax revenues.

Illinois is pushing for slot machines at racetracks to deal with a budget deficit, while questions have popped up about expanding gambling in Florida, Minnesota and elsewhere.

Legislators look at it as an easier way to raise revenues than increasing income or sales taxes, while opponents say the social and legal problems aren’t worth the budget fix. According to the American Gaming Association figures, commercial casinos generated $5.59 billion in taxes for state and local governments in 2009.

The question of starting a lottery, building a racing track or sanctioning casinos have been perennial issues at Hawaii’s state legislature with opponents winning annually over the efforts.

But this year the issue may receive more than a passing look given a glaring budget gap that’s been forecast. A study shows a casino could take a substantial bite out of the forecast deficit.

State projections show there’s a yawning $410.1 million hole between revenues and expenses during the coming fiscal year that begins in July.

In the following fiscal year – the one starting July 2012 and ending in June 2013 – legislators and Gov. Neil Abercrombie must come up with a way to close a $361.8 million chasm.

“There’s no doubt about it being an economic value,” said John Radcliffe, a former teacher who has held a number of union executive and private consulting positions and is now one of the Hawaii’s top lobbyists. Among his clients are gaming interests who’d like to see a casino in or near Waikiki.

“I know there are members of the legislature who are no longer opposed to it as they have been in the past.”

There are other reasons to believe gambling may receive more attention after the legislature starts up on Jan. 19.

Several legislators who opposed wagering have moved on, including former Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, now serving in the U.S. Congress, and Sen. Dwight Takamine, who has been nominated to head the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

New Gov. Neil Abercrombie has voiced support for a lottery in the past, though has amended that position to say he doesn’t see a need for gambling to be explored at this time. Abercrombie spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz said gambling hasn’t been on the table as discussions take place on what to do about the budget.

During Abercrombie’s campaign he released a position statement saying he was opposed to casino gambling and a state lottery because he believed there would not be a positive result for local residents.

“Neil is open to the possibility of joining existing multi-state lotteries if they would be willing to offer Hawaii specific prizes,” the position statement said.

“However, Neil does not believe that gambling in any form needs to be explored right now.”

Radcliffe, who has served as consultant to prior governors and helped with Abercrombie’s past campaigns and his recent transition team, is hoping Abercrombie reconsiders.

“I don’t believe the Governor has a moral objection to gaming,” said Radcliffe. “His objections to gaming have more to do with whether or not it’s good policy.”

Radcliffe points to other factors, including rising discourse about the ability of state government to function and provide services given cuts that have occurred. Some legislators don’t see a way to cut big numbers from the budget.

Moreover, there’s the long-time argument that Hawaii is exporting some residents’ hard-earned cash to Las Vegas casinos and other Mainland states where gambling is allowed. Vegas is one of the top destinations for Hawaii travelers, with special vacation packages and charter flights.

Radcliffe contends Hawaii loses hundreds of millions of dollars to gambling enterprises on the Mainland annually.

A study done last year for Radcliffe’s client, a casino group from Detroit owed by the Ilitch family of Little Caesars Pizza fame, estimates a single, free-standing casino could bring in $86.2 million during its first year, when a gaming fee, employee income taxes, indirect patron spending and related taxes are considered.

The study also includes a projection showing there would be 5.87 million visits to a casino, with 2.83 million of those coming from Hawaii residents. Roughly 623,000 of the visits would come from incremental tourism business, or people who will vacation here because of the casino availability.

The number of jobs created at a casino and off-site is estimated at 9,377. When a multiplier effect is used, the number jumps to 14,065.

Radcliffe said a casino might prove to be the answer for millions in operating losses racked up by the Hawaii Convention Center if the site could be converted into a gaming facility. Moreover, tax revenue from the operation could provide a funding source for Native Hawaiian programs such as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands... (Complete Story)

John Radcliffe, a Hawaii-based lobbyist and politico, has been representing Detroit gambling interests in Hawaii for more than a decade. This and other news accounts have tied him to Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group, a firm owned by Ilitch/Malik mouthpiece Tom Shields. Shields and Radcliffe connected years ago through the American Association of Political Consultants. Another one of their cronies, Jack Seigle has also been active on their behalf in Hawaii.  Back in 2001 he organized the Coalition for Economic Diversity as a so-called third-party to advocate for the Detroiters' interests.

The model they've been pushing for a decade is similar to that Detroit voters approved in the mid 1990s and would end up with a single casino located desirably on Waikiki Beach and governed by a gambling control board or gaming commission.

The Detroiters Radcliffe represents (a syndicate organized by controversial wheeler-dealer Michael Malik and Mrs. Marian Ilitch) were among those behind the 1990s effort that got voter approval to develop and operate three Las Vegas-style gambling halls in downtown Detroit. Voters there were told the casinos would provide new revenues to improve a city that was struggling. Ten years later, and by most standards and accounts, Detroit is now the worst big city in North America.  And while most Detroiters are worse off, those behind the gambling syndicate are worth a whole lot more.

The gambling study they reference in this article was first commissioned by the Detroiters in 2000 when they started lobbying for commercial gambling in Hawaii. Jake Miklojcik, author of the study, is among the Detroiters' stable of consultants and third party advocates who often shows up wherever they are.  Do a Google search and you'll see him involved where they are pushing gambling.

Detroit's Ilitch Family Could Spend $1 Billion+ on Shinnecock Casinos

Ilitch teams with tribe on N.Y. casinos: Long Island plans could top $1 billion
10.19.2010

by Bill Shea

The Ilitches' high-profile pursuit of the Detroit Pistons and plan to build a downtown arena could be dwarfed financially by the family's quiet effort that could top $1 billion to construct casinos for an American Indian tribe on New York's Long Island.

Marian Ilitch, sole owner of MotorCity Casino and matriarch of the family whose fortune is built from the Little Caesar Enterprises Inc. pizza chain she co-founded in 1959, has a casino development deal with the Southampton, N.Y.-based Shinnecock Indian Nation, which recently said it may build up to three casinos now that it has official federal recognition.

Even if the tribe builds just one hotel-casino, because it will serve New York it's expected to be significantly larger than MotorCity, for which Ilitch financed the purchase and expansion for $600 million. A trio of casinos could each still be as large as or even larger than the Detroit property.

MotorCity reported $446 million in 2009 revenue and had 2010 revenue of $333.5 million through September.

"The location will dictate the size of the casino, but it certainly will be larger than the operation at MotorCity," said Tom Shields, owner and president of Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group Inc. and spokesman for Ilitch and her partner in the casino effort, Birmingham developer Mike Malik.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs this month rejected final objections to its acknowledgment of the Shinnecock
as a federally recognized American Indian tribe -- one seeking to build a casino, with Ilitch financial backing, to improve the lives of its roughly 1,200 members. They live on about 800 acres, mainly in mobile homes.

Such formal recognition, which the Shinnecock tribe first sought in 1978, is needed to open an Indian-run casino under federal law. It also makes the tribe eligible for federal housing, health and education funding.

Ilitch and Malik have been working with the tribe since 2003 on plans to build and operate a casino in Long Island's upscale Suffolk County -- an area better known as the Hamptons.

Casinos could be built elsewhere on the island to serve a wider population.

Ilitch and Malik are partners in Gateway Casino Resorts LLC and Gateway Funding Associates LLC, the businesses working with the tribe. They are headquartered in Detroit's Fox Theatre, whose offices are home to Ilitch Holdings Inc. and other Ilitch-owned ventures.

Additional state and federal legal, environmental and regulatory approvals are needed before a casino project can start -- something industry insiders have said is a long process with no guarantees and in which longer-recognized New York tribes have been mired for years.

The tribe prefers to negotiate with authorities to build a more lucrative Class III casino, which allows table games in addition to video slot machines under federal law. A Class III casino must share revenue with the state.

Ilitch and Malik will give the tribe financing and guidance on development and operations, Shields said. How much they'll be paid, and how much of a cut of the casino revenue they'll get, isn't yet known.

There is no timeline for the development, Shields added, noting that it's expected to take several years to get approvals and finish construction.

Beverly Jensen, communications officer for the tribe, declined to comment.

Casino spending

Malik and Ilitch have worked on casino efforts in Port Huron and Manistee and in Hawaii and California, but none have reached the stage of the New York project.

Expenditures on the Long Island effort have been significant.

Through Gateway, Ilitch and Malik paid Arlington, Va.-based lobbying firm Wheat Government Relationsmore than $1 million since 2003 to push for federal recognition for the Shinnecock, records show.

The casino project still needs the approval of New York's governor and Legislature.

Gateway hired Washington D.C.-based Mercury Public Affairs to lobby state government on behalf of the casino. The firm reportedly has met with New York Gov. David Paterson and state legislative leaders to discuss the gambling plan.

A comprehensive anonymous website, TheVerifiableTruth.com, for several years has tracked news and public records linked to Ilitch and Malik's casino ventures, and it shows that they have donated money to political candidates in positions to influence the tribal recognition or other casino-related issues.

The tribe's federal recognition suggests it was money well spent and eventually might result in new cash flow for the Ilitch empire.

In the meantime, the Ilitches will be conscious of the dangers of over-leveraging themselves, sports insiders say.

"All sports properties are acutely aware of not burdening themselves with debt," said Maury Brown, president of Portland, Ore.-based Business of Sports Network, which includes websites devoted to the business side of pro sports.

Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, bshea@crain.com

Detroit's Ilitch Family To Develop Casinos with New York's Shinnecock Indian Nation

Shinnecock Indian Nation to Build Casinos
10.17.2010

THE SOUTHAMPTON, L.I.-BASED SHINNECOCK INDIAN NATION HAS TEAMED UP with the wealthy Ilitch family—which built its fortune through the Little Caesars pizza chain and which owns MotorCity Casino—to fund its casino ambitions, according to Crain's Detroit Business. The Shinnecocks, who were recently recognized by the federal government as an American Indian tribe, said they may build up to three casinos on Long Island to improve the lives of their 1,200 members, who live in mobile homes on about 800 acres adjacent to the upscale Hamptons. The tribe has been looking for potential sites since 2003, and it's in talks with private developers and community leaders.

Blogger's Note: Somehow the poor impoverished Shinnecock people came up with $1,250,000 it paid to D.C. lobbyists to win federal recognition and advance Gateway Casino Resorts' schemes for Long Island. Gateway paid an additional $1,085,000 to D.C. lobbyists for a total of $1,905,000 reportedly paid to  D.C. lobbyists.  Malik & the Ilitch family also contributed more than $1,200,000 to Members of Congress and their various affiliated campaign committees and PACs.

NY Senators Return Michael Malik's Campaign Contributions

Published by Newsday.com on 10.13.2010

7th S.D.: Sens. Johnson, Klein to return Malik contributions

By Reid Epstein

Yesterday we wrote about Detroit developer Michael Malik's donations to Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton). Turns out Malik -- who is partnering with the Shinnecock tribe to develop a Long Island casino, paid a fine for not reporting California political donations and paid to settle a federal case involving an insolvent company in which he'd invested -- also gave $3,500 to state Sen. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) and $2,500 to state Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx).

Johnson spokesman Rich Azzopardi said the campaign this morning wrote a check to Malik returning the money. "We sent it back earlier today," he said. "After we saw your post, we checked our records and we cut a check this morning."

Klein spokesman Austin Shafran said the fourth-ranking Senate Democrat will also be returning his contribution.

Note: Click CA-FPPC for details about Michael J. Malik's campaign finance violations in California.

Also See: 
-Congressman Bishop Under Fire For Accepting Michael Malik's Contribution
-Questions Surrounding $15K Gov. Cuomo Accepted From Detroit Casino Syndicator

Congressman Bishop Under Fire For Accepting Michael Malik's Contribution

Published by Newsday.com on 10.13.2010

Breaking News: Bishop Donor Mixed Up With Casinos, Illegal Contributions

By Reid Epstein

Tim Bishop campaign donor Michael Malik, a Detroit developer, is a partner with the Shinnecock indian tribe seeking to develop a Long Island casino and in 2009 Malik was found guilty and fined $4,000 by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to disclose 17 campaign contributions during the 2006 cycle.

In 2008, Malik was charged in a Florida federal court with being involved in a $2.1 million fraudulent transfer stemming from a Securities and Exchange Commission Ponzi scheme case against an entertainment promoter named John P. Utsick. Malik settled the case with a $170,000 payment on the $620,000 he received from the scheme.

Malik, federal campaign finance records show, gave a max contribution of $2,400 to Bishop for Congress in 2009.

We asked Bishop campaign spokesman Audrey Kubetin about Malik earlier this afternoon and are waiting to hear back from her. Bishop and Republican opponent Randy Altschuler are to debate tomorrow morning at News 12…

Also See: 
-NY Senators Return Michael Malik's Campaign Contributions
-Questions Surrounding $15K Gov. Cuomo Accepted From Detroit Casino Syndicator

FPPC Investigations

Casino Syndicator Michael J. Malik Buys $5.4 Million NYC Penthouse

In Deed! Gambling Mogul on the Waterfront
The New York Observer
4.27.10

The Rushmore

80 Riverside Blvd, PH4A 

New York, NY 10069

--Casino mogul Michael J. Malik, who has been a leading proponent of the legalization of gambling and of building gambling halls, has bought a $5,362,187.64 apartment at The Rushmore at 80 Riverside Boulevard. The penthouse apartment did not appear to currently be on the market but was once listed for $7.3 million. The Michigan-based entrepreneur has also tried to develop a casino in the Hamptons, it has not yet been successful.

Penthouse 4A: 3,056 ft²; 10.5 rooms - 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths; doorman, garage, pool, club, Sundeck; btwn W. 63rd & W. 64th Sts.  Further details at EasyStreet.com

NYC Property Deed

Two Bills Allowing Gambling in Hawaii Fail; Detroiters Actively Lobbied for Passage

From the League of Women Voters May 2010 Newsletter | Anti-Gambling Update

Anti-Gambling Results

May 2010

In February, two bills [HB 2251 & HB 2759] strongly supported by gambling interests came up for public hearing at the Legislature. After lively testimony and discussion, both bills were deferred.

Along with the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling and other community and native Hawaiian groups, LWV’s Jean Aoki testified against the measures. John Radcliffe, an industry spokesperson from Michigan, spoke in favor of the bills, saying the casinos would generate jobs and increased revenue for the state.

One bill would have permitted a single casino in a county with more than 500,000 residents. The second would have allowed casinos on Hawaiian Homelands. As it turned out, both bills were dead. Nor did other gambling bills come forward.

Certificate of Forfeiture Issued Over Michael Malik's Lake Front Property; Casino Syndicator Owes Thousands in Back Property Taxes

On April 1, 2010 the Treasurer of Wayne County, Michigan, issued a Certificate of Forfeiture of Real Property on a residence at 960 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. This is a mid-century lake front home in one of Detroit’s most fabled neighborhoods owned by casino syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.

Typically a Certificate of Forfeiture is issued when a property owner fails to pay his or her property taxes; and, in lieu of payment, the governing authority elects to seize the real property.

(1) 960 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

In 2001, Michael J. Malik, Sr. (G P Development LLC) purchased the residential property at 960 Lake Shore Rd. from the Louis A. Fisher, Jr. Trust with a $4,250,000 mortgage held by Comerica Bank.  It had been the primary residence of Louis A. Fisher and his wife Virginia Nesbitt Fisher until their deaths respectively in 2000 and 1978. Louis was the son of William A. Fisher who along with his six brothers founded Fisher Body Corporation in 1908.  Fisher Body would later become a division of General Motors Company.

The property located at 960 Lake Shore Rd. and fronting Lake St. Clair is located in one of greater Detroit’s most exclusive neighborhoods.  Living two doors south from the Malik property are Mr. and Mrs. Matty Moroun (956 Lake Shore Rd.) owners of Detroit International Bridge Co. (Ambassador Bridge).  Approximately six doors north is the vast estate of William Clay Ford, Jr. (1000 Lake Shore Rd.) once the home of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. 

It’s not clear who, if anyone, currently inhabits the residence at 960 Lake Shore Rd.; however, between 2000 and 2008, Malik and his wife/ex- wife Michele M. Malik, owned three residential properties on Lake Shore Rd.in Grosse Pointe Shores:   

• 583 Lake Shore Rd., a 6,052 square foot home with seven bathrooms, built in 1961 and purchased in May 2003 for $2,000,000. Township records indicate the property was seized by the Sheriff who granted the deed to La Salle Bank Midwest N.A. in November 2008.  Township Property Records
• 591 Lake Shore Rd., an 8,439 square foot home with five bathrooms, built in 1961 and purchased February 2000 for $2,100,000. Township records indicate this property is still owned by Michael Malik and his ex-wife Michelle.  The tax bill is sent to Malik’s office at 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit.  Township Property Records
• 960 Lake Shore Rd., a 5,511 square foot home with five bathrooms built in 1955 and purchased in 2001 for $4,250,000 – the property for which the Certificate of Forfeiture was issued.  Township Property Records