Wampanoag tribal elders, families with young children, town officials and others are calling for greater public participation to block efforts by the Wampanoag tribe to build a casino in Aquinnah. A public meeting was held Saturday at the Aquinnah Old Town Hall.

A federal judge has scheduled a July 28 hearing on the town of Aquinnah’s bid for a court order to block all construction work converting a community center into a gambling facility by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).

Members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) who oppose a casino have successfully petitioned for another vote on the issue at the tribe’s general membership meeting next month, officials confirmed last night. Voting takes place on August 16.

The town of Aquinnah today delivered a cease and desist letter to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), warning it to halt any work on a gaming hall because the tribe lacks a town building permit and such a project is prohibited by local zoning bylaws.

The Aquinnah selectmen will send a formal cease and desist letter to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) asking the tribe to halt all activity to convert the tribal community center to a gambling hall.

The chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) announced that work will begin soon to convert a tribal community center into a gambling hall. Selectmen will hold a special executive session Monday.