Update: Links to live streams of the Chicago Community Engagement meeting have been added to this article.
This week, three community meetings are scheduled to discuss the proposed locations for a Chicago casino.
Online registration is available for enrollment. The Chicago game appointments schedule for the week is as follows:
Chicago appointment of Hard Rock
- When: 6 – 8 p.m. on April 5.
- Harold Washington Library is located at 400 State Street.
- Newly streaming: Join the Hard Rock Chicago community meeting live here.
Bally & rsquo, a meeting in Chicago
- When: 6 – 8 p.m. on April 6.
- The Tribune Publishing Plant is located at 700 West Chicago Avenue.
- Newly Streaming: Watch the Bally’s Chicago Community Meeting Live
Rivers 78 coming together
- When: 6 to 8 p.m. on April 7.
- The event will take place at the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum located at 725 W. Roosevelt Road.
- Watch the live stream of the Rivers 78 Chicago Community Meeting now.
You have the option to watch the meetings live online at Chicago.gov/live without the requirement of pre-registering for the stream.
As anticipated, the game ideas proposed by the community have faced criticism. One such instance is the River North Residents Association (RNRA) writing a letter to Aldermen Burnett, Reilly, and Hopkins to express their disapproval of the Bally’s casino.
Byron Sigcho-Locho is also against Ald. The Rivers 78 plan. While these developments could benefit the city of Chicago, they may present difficulties for residents in those areas.
At these gatherings, individuals will have the chance to express their disagreement with the casinos, or show their support if it reflects their position.
The most recent game reports in Chicago
The original list of five Chicago casino bids has been narrowed down to three, with Rivers Chicago McCormick and Bally’s McCormick Place no longer in contention.
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which owns the McCormick Place convention center complex, opposed the idea of turning any of its buildings into a game. As a result, the city ultimately decided not to proceed with the requests regarding McCormick.
In conclusion, the three suggestions mentioned earlier will be finalized through a series of community meetings held throughout the year. The city plans to announce the winner by the beginning of summer.
The winning bidder and the city must apply for a casino license from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) after which, the approval process could take up to two years, delaying the opening of a Chicago casino.
Why is there local opposition to the game ideas?
Although many Chicago residents may be in favor of building casinos in the city, it is understandable that individuals living in specific neighborhoods may have reservations about having a major gaming facility in such close proximity to their homes.
The following excerpt is from a letter written by the RNRA:
The excessive strain on the existing infrastructure, noise pollution, bright lights, traffic congestion, and potential decline in local property values are all unfair hardships to place on nearby residential neighborhoods.
The resistance to alternative ideas is similar.
The region can select at least one of the three options. For many residents of Chicago, the priority is avoiding potential conflicts or challenges.
