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Chemehuevi Tribe buys dock, land
Dreamcatcher to moor on the mainland side

By David Bell
Today's News-Herald
Published Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:27 PM MST

The Chemehuevi Indian Tribe has agreed to purchase two parcels of land in Lake Havasu City, one of which will be used to dock the Dreamcatcher ferry.


L.J. Frink/News-Herald Photo. The dock on the north end of the English Village — currently home to Action Adventure Rentals, Blue Water Jet Boat Tours and Vessel Assist — seen here from the London Bridge, is being purchased by the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe to be the new home of the Dreamcatcher ferry. The tribe is also purchasing a parcel of land in the London Bridge Shopping Center and Action Adventure Rentals. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

The dock and adjoining approximate 1/16 of an acre of land the tribe is purchasing is the current home of Action Adventure Rentals, Blue Water Jet Boat Tours and Vessel Assist.

“That (the ferry) is the backbone of the tribe’s economy. Any future development for the tribe, the ferry comes into play,” said Chemehuevi Tribal Chairman Charles Wood.

The ferry currently docks at the Island Fashion Mall.

The other parcel of land is in the London Bridge Shopping Center, next to Cha-Bones restaurant.

Also as part of the deal, the tribe will be purchasing Action Adventure Rentals.

The seller, Gary West, could not be reached for comment.

The land attached to the dock is not part of the English Village property owned by Chris Read though it is adjacent to the north. The land the tribe is purchasing does not have sufficient space for parking, so Wood said the tribe will have to negotiate with Read on the parking arrangements for Dreamcatcher riders. If negotiations with Read are not successful, parking would be offsite with a shuttle to the dock.

“We are not buying the English Village. I’ve heard that rumor, and I want people to know it’s not true,” Wood said.

However, he said he does see the tribe’s move to the mainland side of Lake Havasu City as a positive for the city and a possible “impetus to renew the English Village.”

“We definitely are looking at the mixed use zoning that was approved for the (Bridgewater) channel down the line,” he said. “We’re making attempts to work cooperatively with the city, such as the cleanups with the Marine Association and applying for the channel dredging permit for the city. We see this as one more opportunity to bond with the city.”

Mayor Mark Nexsen indicated Tuesday he was not aware of the purchase or the intentions the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe had for either parcel. Nexsen did respond by saying any investment in Lake Havasu City was a good investment. Wood said slightly over 300,000 people ride the ferry annually. The goal is to have the Dreamcatcher docked at its new location by December.

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Comments (42 comment(s))

    RIVR5150 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 6:15 PM:

    " THE CITY DOESNT HAVE TO MAKE THE PURCHES JUST FIND A BUYER,IT HAPPENS IN EVERY TOWN ITS CALLED-RE DEVELOPMENT-AND MOST STATES HAVE MONEY SET ASIDE FOR THAT,AT THE RIGHT PRICE A DEVELOPER COULD DO SOMTHING WITH IT,I WOULD HOPE HAVASU HAS SOME SORT OF AN AGENCY FOR THAT. "

    to rvr5150 wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:11 AM:

    " I have to brake the news for you! The city is broke, they will not buy or build anything! Imminent domain can take the property and who will build and pay the taxes? This is a nice dream like the obama presidency. "

    good news wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:41 PM:

    " good to hear the tribe has completed the purchase. perhaps next they buy the english village and make something good out of it. "

    t wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:56 AM:

    " It is about time someone steps up and buys that area. Now maybe it has a future! Yes we do owe a lot to the Indians! We took their land and made it ours! Imagine if another country came in and did the same thing because they had more firepower. "

    give wrote on Oct 28, 2008 6:45 AM:

    " When I said give everything to the Indians, I was kidding! I WAS NOT KIDDING WHEN I SAID, GIVE UP EVERYTHING AMERICA WAS FOUNDED ON!! If you vote democrat, that is what you wil be doing!! "

    Vicki wrote on Oct 27, 2008 5:58 PM:

    " Desertwoman - are you a native of LHC? Were your parents natives of LHC? If not, where did you or they come from originally? I know this town has been around for quite a while but how many residents are not transplants or retired from somewhere else? It would be interesting to know just how many of those who complain about Californians and snowbirds are actually native Havasu residents. Of all the Havasu residents that I have met over the years I have only met a handful that are native and most of them are first generation. "

    PHD wrote on Oct 26, 2008 9:31 PM:

    " Are there any intelligent people living in LHC? "

    Staci wrote on Oct 26, 2008 7:58 PM:

    " I agree, we don't owe the native American's anything. We have been paying and paying for years. They get free land, free healthcare,no tax, etc. etc. What about the rest of us? The debt has been paid, get over it! "

    desertwoman wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:37 AM:

    " We all know that the mayor knows what's going on. Just another lie. I don't know about all of you, but I for one, don't want a casino in Havasu. This is just the first step to a casino. That's just great, houseing has hit new lows and now a casino. I guess I'll never get out of Havasu. When I moved here I loved this place. Now it's for the Californian's to come and play. and for the winter vistors. We even have a day for the snow birds. How about the people who support the town year round. Oh, I guess we can forget about them. Oh, and I'm one person who belives we don't owe the Native Americans a dime. "

    give wrote on Oct 26, 2008 6:49 AM:

    " I say GIVE the land to the Indians, it was theirs to begin with! I say give up everything this country was founded on-right or wrong- it is history and we are letting everything slip away! A vote for the democrats, is a vote for Marxism! "

    rivr5150 wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:13 PM:

    " what does havasu pd have to do with the Indians wanting a new place to park there boat,the new location makes better business sense,you cant build much of a casino on 1/16 of an acre.if the city started imminent domain reed would would have to do something,a 5 or 9 story condo is not the answer,with declining property values and the condition of the buildings makes it a better value for a city purchase.and ya our mayor should have a better idea what is going on in our city thats his job and thats what he gets paid to do. "

    Tribal Courts wrote on Oct 25, 2008 5:44 PM:

    " Tribal Courts do not have ANY jurisdiction over non-Indians in criminal matters. They do have some jurisdiction in civil actions, such as a traffic ticket for violation of Tribal civil traffic law. But then, it is only with the non-Indian's concurrence, by paying the fine. There is no penalty, such as suspended license, warrant, etc. against a non-Indian who ignores a Tribal traffic ticket/summons. All they can do is register it as a debt, turn it over to a collections agency and ding your credit report. If a non-Indian is arrested for a Criminal violation by Tribal Police, it is charged under state statutes and prosecuted in the local courts, just as if the local PD, SO, or DPS made the arrest.
    As far as a casino, the Chemehuevi Tribe could buy up all of Mohave County, but it wouldn't make them an Arizona Indian Tribe, subject to the Arizona Gaming Compact. In order to do that, any land would have to be declared Indian "Trust" land, by the US Congress. And even then the AZ law and gaming compact would have to be changed, recognizing the Chemehuevi and putting them subject to the compact.
    In other words, don't hold your breath waiting for a Chemehuevi casino in LHC or anywhere else in AZ. "

    bring on a casino...if wrote on Oct 25, 2008 4:31 PM:

    " I would feel better under the protection of tribal police and having to go to indian court than any of the same in Havasu. I would get a fair shake in the latter. The tourist are not going to come back to a casino if they have to worry about the LHC PD. "

    LOVEITHERE wrote on Oct 25, 2008 1:44 PM:

    " JUST FOR THE RECORD: What clue do you have about being in law enforcement? "

    Rivercheetah wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:11 AM:

    " To "Desertrat", maybe if and when the tribe does come in, maybe they can change LHC economy, the residents can't do it, maybe you will be thanking them later when they save your little crappy town. And no they can't put a casino in unless the land goes into trust. And that would take alot to make that happen. My wife is a tribal member from a tribe here in socal. Get educated before you open your mouth a look stupid. "

    GueroGuapo wrote on Oct 25, 2008 8:01 AM:

    " A CASINO would be a savior for havasu. That's the best Idea I have heard since that whole fiasco down there became an issue. Everybody loves a casino just ask all the snowbirds! Instead of flocking to laughlin and parker they might stick around and sink money into a havasu casino! Flashing lights cold drinks and cold AC what better place to have down there, in the summer all the drunk boaters will have a place to go and blow thier wallets! "

    9 story condo wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:19 PM:

    " You know something the rest of us don't ?

    Pictured in THIS NEWSPAPER showed 5 stories.

    Whose story (ies) is/are correct?

    Hey EDITOR...a little help here. "

    wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:50 PM:

    " I LOVE A NICE SKYLINE! "

    Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:16 AM:

    " Yes, 9 stories. Or 90 feet above the center of the bridge. However you wish to count. The structure begins 40 feet back from the water and 15 feet from the bridge. "

    Tribal Elder for Mayor wrote on Oct 23, 2008 7:05 PM:

    " I hope the tribal elder will run for mayor here and clean up this mess! "

    9 story condo wrote on Oct 23, 2008 9:51 AM:

    " Where did you get the info they are going to build nine story condos? Uninformed. Last I counted it was five stories, but hey whose counting. Build something there.

    Go Native, grab the Dreamcatcher, and go make donation to the tribe.

    What happened to the free tickets the Chamber used to give away? "

    Alicia Mac wrote on Oct 23, 2008 8:37 AM:

    " Why is it that everyone is so scared on the Chemehuevi's buying a place to put their boat. Lets put some things to rest.
    1. The Chemehuevis are not going to put a casino in LHC that would slit their own throats with the casino they already have. Get real.
    2. What does LHCPD have to do with tribal police. Chemehuevi's are part of a PL280 state. That means they have to abide by the state of CA laws and depends on SB Sheriffs for their law enforcement.
    3. The tribes are more than just a casino. There is an administration office, two stores, a campground, security, housing, plus more that is full of several entities and provides many of LHC residients with jobs. In this already thriving economy and people moving out of LHC right and left I would think LHC would be greatful for those who can stay and provide for LHC as their city due to hte tribes.
    4. The tribes purchased 1/16 on an acre that can cut donw on costs and help boost all economies. They are a viable member of LHC as many of their tribal members use LHC ammenities and use the boat to get to the city to do this. IT is not the tribes who see profit from this but so does our city of Lake Havasu. This city will always have its naggers and complainers but at least before they do I wish they would get he facts. This tribes are not bad or threatening in anyway. They are an entity that is viable to LHC and its citizens and LHC should embrace and encourage more business with them to boost our own economy. "

    to had it with havasu wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:22 PM:

    " Reid's property is for sale, why don't you buy it on your own money? Why do you want to spend my money and raise my taxes. I'm sure you will vote for Obama, so you get more of my money... "

    Desertrat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:24 PM:

    " Wonder why the PD have to be brought into EVERY article no matter what it is about. Guess someone has their own agenda with an axe to grind. Doesnt look like censorship to me. The paper should CENSOR comments that pertain to the article. Not - oh, it is a rainy day today, must be the PD's fault! The hate that is spewed under every article is old, tired and boring. MOVE ON already! "

    just to correct the record wrote on Oct 22, 2008 7:14 PM:

    " police were brought up by someone who claims to be in law enforcement who was insulting another agency. I guess the paper only protects the LHCPD.
    This person's involvement is limited to "911 can you hold?" and has been proven wrong every time the paper's censor allows. "

    Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 22, 2008 6:32 PM:

    " The current state of the English Village is by design. The owners want it dilapidated so they can make the claim that the current zoning is unreasonable and outdated as it does not allow them to establish profitable enterprise. They need a zoning change to build the condos, sell the condos and ruin the ambiance the channel was intended to have while producing the highest short term profit.

    They bought the property with the intent of getting the zoning changed.

    The change can't take place directly so they make the change on the other side of the bridge, not the Island, the resort side. Then they have precedence and can swap the Village side and claim no conflict.

    Oversimplified but accurate.

    As far as Mr. Reed is concerned, I feel he has done a tremendous disservice to our community. Perhaps the property should be declared Imminent Domain and purchased by the city at the value it holds with the current zoning, not the price it would carry if rezoned outside of the original general plan. Park, parking, shops, entertainment. Preserve the environment for the tourist attraction it supports.

    Right now what we have is disgraceful and also disgraceful that this path was allowed. "

    Roads Ender wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:35 PM:

    " Do YOU want to trust the land grabing tribe on this side of the lake? DO NOT FOREGET WHAT HAPPENED AT HAVASU PALMS! "

    So What wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:23 PM:

    " Why do a couple of you expect the mayor to know specifics about a private real estate transaction? Should he know the details about every foreclosed home that is sold in the city? Of course not. Two parties decided to trade money for property, so what?! "

    unsure wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:21 PM:

    " Let's write real, What is everyone really afraid of ????? "

    Desertrat wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:49 PM:

    " get a real life: Says you. Who is the joke? The LHCPD are held in high esteem in most places. A few whiners, people who got a ticket, etc. complain on here. The majority of the people have positive experiences with the PD. If you don't want contact with them, obey the laws! And if you like the tribal police, move to Parker. They may be happy to see you! "

    clueeeeelessss wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:13 PM:

    " you are all clueless and blind, you all know nothing about the so-call good people but what ever, give the chemehuevi what they want, after all we did run them off all the lands, lets not ever forget it, we owe them everything ohh and do they pay any tax... ummmm I dont think so but who cares. "

    H.Landing residents 4 years wrote on Oct 22, 2008 4:08 PM:

    " Hey LHCMOM,
    You forgot to mention the best family retuarant and Pizza in town.
    This new ferry location will get us closer to....

    PAPPA LEONE'S PIZZA!!!! :-) yum yum "

    LHCMOM wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:13 AM:

    " I think it's a good idea to have it on this side of the bridge. Parking would be easier to find on the busy weekends. As for having to walk over the bridge to get something to eat, what out all the eateries on this side of the bridge that you can get to? You know, Del Taco, In-n-Out, Quiznos, IHOP, China Buffet...just to name a few.

    A couple of things I have noticed about alot of posters on here is this: the police are at fault for all our problems and we complain about how aweful the English Village is getting and complain when someone wants to come along to help it. Some of you really need to get a life and find something more productive to do with your time! "

    been here longer than you wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:09 AM:

    " Ya know, with the state of the current Eng village, who would care if they parked in the fountain?, the comment about the CITY wanting 9 story condo's just prove that the some of the public really needs to be better informed. Now Mr. Reed, wants condo's there, and in my opinion that is the reason he bought the property, but the city doesn't, or else they would be there.
    The one thing I wonder is if Mr Reed shut off that entire area how would people get on or off that dock? is it not totally surrounded by his land on the dry side? if it is they were fools to buy it w/o negoitiating a right of way with him first!!! "

    Teresa wrote on Oct 22, 2008 11:01 AM:

    " That sounds great! I am pleased to hear thet the Native Americans are going to be taking that extra step! Lake Havasu must realize that eventually the town will be very colorful with a variety of people from different cultures. Hats off to the Chemehuevi's!!! "

    gambler wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:35 AM:

    " I hope they will build a casino on the land! "

    wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:23 AM:

    " So instead of docking where there are some shops and eateries it's going to dock right in front of the beautiful North English Village, then have to walk up and over the bridge to get to anything? "

    Had it with Havasu wrote on Oct 22, 2008 10:23 AM:

    " Yes, the Mayor had no clue. What else is new?

    lifegoeson, the Chemehuevi are our neighbors, they are good people. The Chemehuevi have no Tribal Police. Take some time to get to know them, research their history and beliefs. Their respect for community and family.

    And take a moment to look at the community involvement and leadership. Then reread this: "However, he (Wood) said he does see the tribe’s move to the mainland side of Lake Havasu City as a positive for the city and a possible “impetus to renew the English Village.”

    Tell me they are not being proactive by decreasing the traffic load on the bridge and impact to the parking along the channel. They will bring traffic to an area that has been neglected. I don't think that Chris Read or our current council, Mayor too, will like this at all as it will have a negative effect on the value of the properties they wish to put 9 story highrise condo's on. As the property has been shops and tourist attractions, it is beneficial and in keeping with the original general plan.

    In case no one caught it, the rezoning and tentative approval on the South side of the bridge paves the way for the same to happen on North side while sidestepping the issue of complicity and conflict of interest. Ultimately, all of our council and others in city government along with some select private parties, corporations, etc. will hopefully face charges of, at the very least, conspiracy. This story may be what begins to unravel the vile conspiracy which has diminished our English Village to a dilapidated bunch of out buildings.

    "Mayor Mark Nexsen indicated Tuesday he was not aware" of something so significant to the future of the area surrounding the 2nd most visited tourist attraction in Arizona. Havasu's single greatest asset.

    This has the potential to derail the private interests and restore the English Village to what Robert McCulloch and CV Wood intended.

    I love it. "

    get a real life wrote on Oct 22, 2008 9:15 AM:

    " "real police" what a joke you are Life. I would trust the tribal police of the LHCPD any day of the weak. I have never seen the tribal police violate someones civil rights. If any area department is a the butt of jokes of the others then it is most certainly the LHCPD. "

    HMMMM wrote on Oct 22, 2008 8:37 AM:

    " I dont understand whats does it matter if you chatch the money snatcher(dreamcatcher) on this side or that side, whats the big deal? next thing you know they will be running the swapmeet, I know why dont they buy the old wal-mart and open up a trading post jezzzzzzzz a loooooooou "

    lifegoeson wrote on Oct 22, 2008 5:35 AM:

    " Sure hope they all realize there is NO tribal police in Havasu, they will have to deal with real police. "

    whens the casino coming wrote on Oct 21, 2008 9:40 PM:

    " give me a break mayor, you have 'no' idea what's going on "

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