LoisLane wrote:
I'm guessing it will be an Indian deal (ooops Native American) going in either at the Ashland Chemical site or Marble Street. Calumet City spent a lot of money for roads going to Marble St. based on speculation that business will locate there.
If it is an Indian deal, they can be land based and no state license. Remember when they wanted to locate in Lynwood?
No,they're going after the 10th Illinois license.....
Gaming on the table in Cal CityBY KIRSTEN SRINIVASAN
kirstens@nwitimes.com219.933.4158 | Thursday, October 09, 2008
CALUMET CITY | City officials could vote on a proposed agreement for a local gaming and entertainment venue during a City Council meeting at 7:30 tonight at City Hall.
A cooperative partnership and agreement with 1893 Entertainment Group LLC to create a gaming and entertainment venue in Calumet City is on the agenda.
The agenda also includes a resolution establishing revenue sharing among south suburban cook County municipalities and an ordinance authorizing funding for the Illinois Gaming Board's statewide voluntary self-exclusion program to help problem gamblers.
The council also plans to vote on a resolution authorizing a property tax rebate program upon the issuance of a gaming license.
Calumet City officials have declined to provide any details about the proposal prior to the City Council meeting.
Lansing Village President Dan Podgorski said he hasn't heard any specifics about the gaming proposal from Calumet City, but if it involves a casino, Lansing won't offer support. When Lynwood was working with the Ho-Chunk Nation on a proposal to develop a casino, the Lansing Village Board made a statement that it would not offer support for a casino and it would require compensation if one located nearby negatively affected the village, Podgorski said. With gaming comes increased traffic, increased crime and the need for more police, he said.
"We heard from lots of different people and had lots of considerations on the issue and didn't feel that it was a plus from a social standpoint that it creates just as many or more problems than maybe it helps with," he said.
The Illinois Gaming Commission is accepting applications until Tuesday for the state's 10th gaming license.
Even if Calumet City approves a gaming and entertainment venue, it doesn't mean it could get that gaming license, Podgorski said. Many communities, such as Country Club Hills, are vying for the license, he said.
But Podgorski said the state is supposed to factor in economic conditions when awarding the license, which would make the south suburbs a logical choice. Calumet City could have an advantage with its close proximity to the state line, considering many Illinois residents go across the Indiana border to visit nearby casinos, he said.
The 10th gaming license must go to the south suburbs, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said in a statement.
"It's long overdue," he said. "As for where, I've consistently stated that I support whatever host community offers the most generous revenue sharing program for other southland municipalities and schools. That currently is Country Club Hills. I've not seen Cal City's plan, but I am open-minded and interested in learning more."
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2008/10/09 ... 8395dd.prt