In Chicago, the River North Residents Association recently submitted 42 recommendations it wants Bally’s to consider for its new $1.7 billion downtown casino complex—suggestions the group said would make the coming venue more bearable for residents. Above all, members want Bally’s to replace its proposed 1,000-seat outdoor music venue with a public park.
River North Residents Association President Brian Israel said, “A lot of people obviously like to go to concerts. I like to go to concerts. But not across the street from my house.” Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., whose ward includes the River West casino site, said he’d be “open” to Bally’s replacing the outdoor music venue with a public park.
“I don’t know how that would affect the deal that was voted on and if that legally can happen, because I’m sure it’s a part of the financial package in the agreement,” Burnett said.
Israel said Bally’s officials indicated to the group they’d consider other requests as well, including:
- Build an eastbound exit ramp and westbound entrance ramp connecting the casino directly to the Ohio-Ontario feeder.
- Extend Jefferson Street to Grand Avenue to relieve Halsted congestion.
- Dedicate 2 percent of annual revenue directed to the city to establish “neighborhood-based gaming outreach and treatment” for problem gamblers.
- Move all concerts and performances indoors, limited to 15 days a month.
- Extend security patrol four blocks in every direction from both the temporary and permanent casino site.
Bally’s rejected the eastbound exit and westbound entrance ramp requests due to the expense. A spokesman said the suggestion was “thoroughly evaluated but was rejected due to high cost, extended construction timeframe, amount of land required and low probability of approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation.”
Israel commented, the group knew that request was a “long shot,” adding, “The idea was if visitors could get directly on and off the highway, it would definitely be a relief, but we knew it was an unlikely proposition.”
Regarding security, Bally’s officials said they will work with the Chicago Police Department to add external patrols around the temporary casino at Medinah Temple and the permanent River West casino. In addition, the company said it would install additional exterior surveillance cameras and possibly license plate readers.
Bally’s officials are preparing their final submission for the Illinois Gaming Board. They also plan to meet with other local groups before making a final decision on other requests.
