Lumbee Tribe Rejects Constitutional Amendment on Casino Gaming and Dark Water Resort Project

The Lumbee Tribe held a vote on a constitutional amendment that would have authorized casino gaming and paved the way for the Dark Water Resort project, which includes a casino, hotel, golf course, and entertainment venues on more than 240 acres of I-95 land acquired for over six million dollars, and the measure failed with 62 percent of voters opposed.

Tribal leaders responded by scheduling an emergency meeting to examine issues around governance, transparency, voting access, and future plans for the property along with broader economic development strategies, while Chairman John Lowery confirmed he would not revisit gaming proposals for the remainder of his term.

Details of the Proposed Amendment and Development

The amendment sought to change tribal law to permit casino operations as part of a larger resort complex on land the tribe purchased near Interstate 95, a location chosen for its visibility and accessibility to travelers, and the project carried an estimated investment that would have introduced multiple revenue streams including lodging, recreation, and dining facilities.

Proponents highlighted potential job creation and revenue generation for tribal programs, whereas the final tally showed clear opposition from the majority of participating members who expressed concerns over long-term community impacts and decision-making processes.

Vote Results and Immediate Aftermath

Ballots cast in the referendum produced a decisive 62 percent rejection rate, which triggered swift action from the tribal council including the call for an emergency session focused on procedural questions such as how voting access was managed and how future proposals might be handled with greater transparency.

Chairman Lowery's statement emphasized that gaming would not return to the agenda during his remaining time in office, a position that shifts attention toward alternative uses for the acquired acreage and other avenues for economic growth that align with current tribal priorities.

Emergency Meeting Focus Areas

The upcoming emergency gathering will address four main topics: governance structures that guide major decisions, transparency measures that keep members informed, voting access improvements that ensure broader participation, and concrete next steps for the I-95 property that avoid casino development while still advancing economic objectives.

Those who've studied similar tribal referendums note that such meetings often produce updated policies on land use and investment, and in this case the session is expected to generate a timeline for evaluating non-gaming options that could include commercial, agricultural, or community-oriented projects.

Background on the Land Acquisition and Project Vision

The tribe completed the purchase of the 240-plus acres for more than six million dollars specifically with large-scale development in mind, and initial plans centered on the Dark Water Resort as a multifaceted destination designed to draw visitors from surrounding regions while creating employment opportunities for tribal citizens.

Although the gaming component has been set aside for now, the property remains a significant asset that tribal leadership intends to leverage through revised strategies discussed at the emergency meeting, and data from comparable tribal land holdings shows that diversified approaches can sustain growth even when one proposed use is rejected.

Next Steps for Economic Development

With gaming off the table for the balance of the current term, attention turns to alternative development models that could still generate income and services for the Lumbee community, and the emergency meeting will explore frameworks that balance fiscal needs with member preferences expressed through the recent vote.

According to statements released by tribal officials, any revised plans will undergo additional review processes that incorporate greater input from enrolled members, a step intended to strengthen confidence in how major decisions are reached and implemented.

Conclusion

The rejection of the constitutional amendment marks a clear turning point for the Lumbee Tribe's approach to the I-95 property and its overall economic strategy, and the scheduled emergency meeting provides a structured opportunity to chart a path forward that addresses governance concerns while pursuing sustainable development on the acquired land. Chairman Lowery's commitment to exclude gaming discussions during his remaining term reinforces the outcome of the vote and directs focus toward other initiatives that reflect the preferences shown by the 62 percent majority.