Freetown Rejects Casino Proposal

Freetown residents have sent a resounding "no" to the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah's proposal to build a casino in town.

According to unofficial results, yesterday's referendum received 954 "no" votes and 308 "yes" votes. About 22 percent of the town's registered voters cast a ballot.

Selectmen Chairwoman Jean Fox says she's not surprised by the vote because there were too many unanswered questions about the proposal.

The Martha's Vineyard-based tribe has proposed a $167 million casino, hotel and retail facility along Route 140 in Freetown and Lakeville on land the tribe has an option to buy.

Lakeville residents are scheduled to vote on the proposal on Saturday.

Tribal spokesman Jim McManus says the vote is nonbinding and does not kill the project.