Multiple sources tell NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to announce that the city will partner with the Bally’s Corporation to build a $1.74-billion casino in the River West neighborhood, a move that has sparked strong opposition from residents and elected officials.
Lightfoot’s office has not confirmed that an announcement in the casino search is imminent, but several aldermen, including Ald. Brian Hopkins, say that the Bally’s project has been the frontrunner all along, and that they anticipate that it will be the winning bid.
Several media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, had reported Tuesday that Bally’s was set to be the winner of the three-way race for the city’s new casino license, but Lightfoot denied that a decision has been made.
“She’s said she’s made no decision, (but) she’s going to come out tomorrow and not explain the justification for it,” Hopkins told NBC 5. “I’m calling foul on this right now.”
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Hopkins’ ward is located just to the north of the site, which is situated along the Chicago River on a plot of land formerly used as a publishing plant for the Chicago Tribune.
Area residents have expressed skepticism about the viability of the site, and homeowners’ associations have pushed back against the plan.
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“I think it’s a little odd of a location, because there’s not much public transit around here,” one resident said.
“There aren’t many trains in this area, but I think it’s a good way to bring more people into the area,” another added.
The River North Residents’ Association is overwhelmingly opposed to a casino deal.
“I think Chicago is one of the great American cities, and I think we can do better than this,” Brian Israel, who represents the association, said.
The casino, which will feature numerous amenities and a 500-room hotel, is projected to rake in tax revenue of $200 million a year. That money is earmarked for police and fire pensions, according to officials.
Despite the potential tourist revenue, Hopkins is blasting the proposed deal and location.
“Chicagoans know a corrupt deal when they see it, and this is a corrupt backroom deal involving potentially billions of dollars,” he said.
The announcement of the Bally’s site could come as soon as Thursday, and the company is reportedly close to a labor deal with the Chicago Federation of Labor that would require the entire complex to use union workers.
