MONROE - The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has approved a purchase agreement for 150 acres along Interstate 75 for a casino and resort.

Terry Casey, a consultant for the tribe, and developer Lenny Robinson said the deal was approved Wednesday night.

They would not disclose a purchase price, though Casey said it would be "millions of dollars."

The tribe last week announced plans for a casino, hotel and restaurants straddling Butler and Warren counties in the 800-acre Corridor 75 Commercial Park southeast of Ohio 63.

On Nov. 9, a design concept for the site by Great West Companies of Seattle, will be delivered to city council, said Robinson, a Corridor 75 owner.

By the end of the year, the tribe will present state leaders with a package of five to seven Ohio casinos, including one near Botkins, along I-75 between Dayton and Lima, said Casey, a consultant for National Capital I.

State law must be changed to allow full-service gaming. Gov. Bob Taft adamantly opposes casino gambling.

The issue also has been rejected twice by Ohio voters since 1990.Without a change, the tribe still could offer Class II gaming, including bingo machines, pull-tabs and card games, Casey said.

Milford zoning vote for project delayed

MILFORD - Planning commissioners are taking their time considering their vote on a proposed zoning change here.

The change would pave the way for a shopping center to move into the River's Edge at Milford retail development just inside the Interstate 275 loop.

At a meeting Wednesday night, commissioners postponed voting on the zoning change,

The change would rezone 10 acres of land near the strip mall from light industrial to general business, until its meeting at 6 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 10.

If the zoning change - sought by Cincinnati United Contractors - is approved, the development would have a half-dozen lots for banks, restaurants and smaller retail operations surrounding a major retail anchor.

Thirty-three acres adjacent to the 10 acres proposed for a zoning change are already zoned for retail.

Earlier this year, opposition emerged to a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter on Ohio 28.

Deerfield trustees deny $55,000 in donations

DEERFIELD TWP. - Trustees rejected two requests for donations that would have totaled $55,000. The township's finance committee recommended both denials.

The first was FAITH emergency services' request for $5,000. The finance committee said the township had concerns about giving money to a church organization.

The trustees also agreed to deny a service contract giving $10,000 a year for five years to the Warren County Humane Association. The township already contributes to the Lebanon shelter.

Contributors: John Kiesewetter, Reid Forgrave, Erica Solvig