Several South Suburban communities have received their Village Board’s approval to advance their casino plans to the Illinois Gaming Board by the Oct. 28 deadline. Read related press articles below.
Homewood/East Hazel Crest In the story, Homewood officials back Halsted Street casino plan, citing jobs and economic benefits, the Tribune/Daily Southtown reports that Homewood officials are backing efforts for a casino that would be built partly in that suburb and in neighboring East Hazel Crest, with some residents supporting the jobs and other economic benefits of the project while others are worried about increased crime. Wind Creek Hospitality wants to build a 64,000-square-foot casino on a 24-acre site southwest of the interchange of Interstate 80 and Halsted Street, spending nearly $300 million on an initial phase that would also include an entertainment center.
The story, Developer places opening bet in south suburban casino race, in the Sun-Times adds: An Alabama development group has put the first chips down on the table in the first bid to land a casino in Chicago’s south suburbs, while a second group hinted Thursday it could soon go all in with a competing proposal. It all happens as the clock ticks toward an end-of-month deadline for casino plans to be submitted for approval by the Illinois Gaming Board under the state’s massive new gambling expansion law. Wind Creek Hospitality announced Thursday it placed the opening bet on a site straddling the border of Homewood and East Hazel Crest.
Lynwood Lynwood enters south suburban casino race with Ho-Chunk proposal, announced the Sun-Times stating: A second south suburb has put its cards on the table with a bid to land the area’s long-coveted, newly authorized casino. Lynwood village board members scheduled time during their Tuesday night meeting to hear the proposal from Ho-Chunk Nation leaders who want to bring a gambling house to a parcel of land off Route 394 north of Glenwood Dyer Road. The Wisconsin tribe’s $380 million casino proposal includes a 20-story luxury hotel plus restaurants, bars and retail space, all near the Southland Center sports complex currently operated by Ho-Chunk. WCLO News reports that Ho-Chunk sees support for Illinois casino.
The Tribune’s story, Ho-Chunk Nation eyes Lynwood as site of south suburban casino, adds: The Ho-Chunk’s Southland Center on Stony Island Avenue east of Illinois 394/Calumet Expressway has more than 100,000 square feet of space and hosts sports tournaments, banquets and other activities. There are also outdoor baseball and softball fields. In total, the Ho-Chunk own more than 120 acres. The Ho-Chunk proposal calls for a temporary casino to be built directly south of Southland Center. The state allows new casino license holders to operate from temporary facilities for up to two years while permanent buildings are constructed.
Robbins-Crestwood & Calumet City Sun-Timers: Five Card Draw? Calumet City, Crestwood join three others in crowded south suburban casino race
Matteson Matteson hosted a public hearing on their casino plans on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at their Village Hall, 4900 Village Commons Matteson, IL 60443. The Sun-Times reports Plans unveiled for proposed Matteson casino. The Tribune/Daily Southtown adds Matteson joins race for south suburban casino with Harlem Avenue bid. On Jan. 15, the Patch reports that Matteson Files Amendment To Change Casino Location to former Lincoln Mall site. By Jan 30, the Sun-Times reports that Matteson casino group gets OK to make old Lincoln Mall site its new proposed location.
Tinley Park On 10/15, the Tribune reports that Pritzker halts sale of land for Tinley Park horse track casino after Tribune investigation.
Calumet City Calumet City held a public hearing Friday, Oct. 18 at 5:45 p.m. at Calumet City’s City Hall, 204 Pulaski Road, on a proposal from Southland Live Casino. The Tribune/Daily Southtown reports Calumet City joins scrum for south suburban casino license with proposal involving River Oaks site. The Times adds: Calumet City casino proposal aims to revitalize River Oaks Center.
Country Club Hills Country Club Hills hosted a special meeting on Oct 21 to consider, and possibly adopt a resolution affirming the support of the City of Country Club Hills for the application of Spreads Group and Affiliated Entities for the SouthSuburban Casino License.
Crestwood and Country Club Hills The Tribune/Daily Southtown reports: As Monday deadline looms, Crestwood, Country Club Hills make it 6 at the Southland casino table
On Oct 28, the Tribune/Daily Southtown reports Country Club Hills, Crestwood drop casino bids; field down to four in south suburbs as state deadline passes, and Mayor: $500K application fee nixed Crestwood’s casino bid.
Crete On Nov. 21, the Tribune reports: Plan emerges to bring horse racing and casino gambling to Balmoral Park after Gov. J.B. Pritzker quashes Tinley Park racino. The Sun-Times adds: South suburban developer trots in with Balmoral Park racino revival.