In Wisconsin, the Kenosha City Council recently voted 11-6 to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the gaming authority of the Menominee Tribe regarding the development of a future Hard Rock Casino.
Nine years ago, the tribe received local and federal approvals to build a casino at the site of the former Kenosha Greyhound Park, but the project was rejected by former Governor Scott Walker.
Next, the county board of supervisors will review its agreement with the tribe on January 16. The tribe also must receive approval from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs for the designated land, located off I-94, north of Highway 50, to be taken into federal trust for casino gaming. Ultimately Governor Tony Evers must approve the project.
In an interview with Kenosha News, Mayor John Antaramian said, “I think this will have a positive impact on the community on a long-term basis. We’ll go through the process and see how this goes. The compact is a good compact. It’s similar to what we’ve passed in the past and it’s been vetted numerous times.”
Councilman Daniel Prozanski, who voted in favor, said concerns that a casino would cause an increase in crime and decrease in property values were greatly exaggerated.
He told Kenosha News, “Sixty acres are being purchased. We’re not giving anybody 60 acres. It’s a privately funded operation. This is a big deal.”
Councilman Holly Kangas, who opposes the casino, said Hard Rock has broken promises it has made to other communities. “The people of the 4th District have asked me to be a ‘no’ vote tonight,” she said.
Hard Rock Regional President Matt Schuffert said the Kenosha casino could generate $250 million to $295 million in total annual revenue, with the city receiving quarterly payments of about 3 percent of net earnings.
In addition, the agreement calls for annual payments for 20 years that would increase from $100,000 to $2.5 million if net win revenue falls below the minimum in a given year. The casino site would be exempt from local property taxes.
The agreement also requires an annual payment of $750,000 to local public schools if net profits surpass $2 million. Also, starting in the third year, $500,000 a year would go to support Kenosha public museums and a home ownership program. Another provision includes allocating $1 million to purchase advanced life support vehicles and an annual payment of $500,000 for six years to build a new police station, fire department and public works office.
Union officials said the project would create 800 jobs during the 2-year construction phase and more than 1,000 permanent jobs.
The Menominee Tribe’s Hard Rock casino would include a gaming floor, a 150-room hotel, swimming pool, live entertainment venue and a Hard Rock Café.
