Gaming board deals snub to south suburbs

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BY KIRSTEN SRINIVASAN
kirstens@nwitimes.com
219.933.4158 | Saturday, November 15, 2008 | (2 comment(s))

CHICAGO | None of the south suburbs made the final three finalists for the state's 10th gaming license.

The Illinois Gaming Board chose Waukegan, Des Plaines and Rosemont as its three finalists during a meeting Friday. Developers also had submitted bids from Harvey, Country Club Hills, Calumet City and Stickney.

Calumet City Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush said she was sad the region was excluded, but it was worth trying because of what it would have meant in terms of jobs.

"I'm disappointed none of the Southland communities are in the top three," she said. "The Southland takes another punch, and it's very disappointing. I think the area needs the jobs the most and economic boost the most."

The proposal by 1893 Entertainment Group's for Calumet City included the Columbian Exposition Casino & Entertainment Complex, a multiuse entertainment development next to Torrence Avenue and the Little Calumet River.

The board voted on each suburb's proposal individually, and Calumet City narrowly missed a spot among the top three. Calumet City received two votes in favor of its proposal and two votes against, Qualkinbush said. Harvey and Country Club Hills received no votes in favor of their proposals, Qualkinbush said.

The people who voted yes to Calumet City's proposal made comments about why, she said.

"Obviously, they thought we could use the economic boost," Qualkinbush said. "They mentioned with the number of Section 8 housing vouchers designated in the Southland, they thought it was an opportunity for the Southland."

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. also said he was disappointed no south suburban boat made the cut.

"None of the three finalists will stem the flow of $700 million a year to Indiana's boats, and none offers revenue sharing for distressed schools and municipalities," he said in a statement. "Sadly, it means the south suburbs remain the only region in the metro area without a riverboat."

It was shocking none of the south suburbs were included, Calumet City Communications Director Eric Schneider said.

"The board voted to go with the north side," he said.

A Rosemont developer submitted the highest bid at $435 million, and a Waukegan developer bid $225 million. SouthSide Casino LLC from Harvey bid $175 million. Calumet Gaming LLC in Calumet City and Hawthorne Gaming LLC in Stickney both bid $150 million. Midwest Gaming & Entertainment in Des Plaines bid $100 million, and CCH Gaming Partners LLC in Country Club Hills was the lowest at $60 million.

Officials have said the winner will be chosen by the end of the year.

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Howard wrote on Nov 15, 2008 11:11 AM:

" It appears that the south suburbs does'nt rate as a viable alternative to anything. Its really unfortunate when you see the dollars going to Indiana daily. Millions of dollars that could be well spent here. Its depressing to see the south suburbs slighted like an ugly stepdaughter again & again. What does the Southland have to do to get seriously considered? "

rosa wrote on Nov 15, 2008 9:25 AM:

" All I have to say is "Look where its at" It will never be on the top because no one in that area cares "

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