Archer was recently able to convince the Detroit City Council to give him anotheryear, until Dec. 31, 2001, to bring the land together."It had become obvious that it would be physically impossible to close onthe remaining businesses and move them to another location," says Archer'sspokesman Greg Bowens.The extension was approved by the council by a 6-3 vote. It'sfortunate, says Bowens, because the license that allows the temporarycasinos to stay open would have been voided if the deadline wasn't met.

The Greektown Casino, the MGM Grand Casino and the MotorCity Casino havealready opened temporary facilities in the city, and are reportedly earning$1 million a day each. Each hoped to build large permanent casinos, withrestaurants and hotels included, by 2003. This extension may push theopening date back until at least 2004, or even a year later. The casinosexpect to earn 40% more once their permanent facilities are up,Bowens says.He says only two small groups remain to negotiate with to complete theacquisition for the entire parcel.

"Our negotiations have ebbed and flowed. We hear that we may reach a dealsometime in the next four to five months," he notes.Land owners have jacked up their prices and hired attorneys tonegotiate high settlement prices for the now-popular parcels of property.Bowens said he has to keep quiet about how much the city is paying those who have made a deal so the remaining owners don't learn how much they received.