Generally speaking, a Casino probably isn't the best neighbor for the Sloop as they tend to attract raucous crowds, drunks, degenerate gamblers and potentially sketchy people. However, McCormick place would create a buffer and protect the South Loop from many of these negatives. On the other hand and similar to the Olympic village, a development like this could bring increased funds to the area which might be able to help with infrastructure and neighborhood improvements.All in all, we're not in favor of the idea, but would love to hear your thoughts.
NOOOOOOO !!!!! Think Praire District, Historic District and the South Loop. We need this to be
ReplyDeletea FIRST CLASS, Family Friendly, Green area.
I have less of an issue with this as compared to the previous Olympic scheme.
ReplyDeleteGranted, that's not exactly a ringing endorsement but I personally know many people who live here in the city and commute to their Indiana-based casino jobs.
Quite a bit of my entertainment budget has been spent on concerts/gaming across the State line.
Where exactly do you get your data that casinos elicit such activity???
ReplyDeleteFunny how neither of these two aldermen's wards are near this area.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, one tiny detail: Land-based casinos are not (yet) legal in Illinois.
ReplyDeleteVideo gaming legislation is the closest thing that's been passed.
Personally, I have no problem with gaming. We already have horse/dog tracks, OTB, riverboat casinos, Lotto . . . it's not the end of the world by any measure.
The downstate town I grew up in had a chance to put in a riverboat casino. The thought they were taking some type of "moral high ground" and bible-thumped the development right across the river into another town . . . who then made a fortune and created tons of new jobs.
For the record, I do not gamble. I do support anyone's right to do so should they want a legal outlet. I also support legalizing pot in the same way that booze and cigs are currently handled.