In Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Bristol Community Development Authority (BCDA) recently approved the Kenosha Land Company’s offer to purchase 60 acres owned by the Village of Bristol in Kenosha County, but located in the city of Kenosha. Wisconsin Spotlight reported Kenosha Land shares the same address as Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Sources said the tribe reportedly wants to develop a smaller version of the $800 million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino it proposed in 2013, to be located at the former Dairyland Greyhound Park. That proposal, a joint venture with Wisconsin’s Menominee Nation, was rejected by then-Governor Scott Walker due to opposition from competing tribes, including the Potawatomi. Unlike Walker, current Governor Tony Evers has indicated he would support new casinos in the state.
Bristol Village Board President Mike Farrell said Kenosha Land’s bid was the highest of three bidders for the parcels, “somewhere between $15 million and $16 million.” The BCDA’s recommendation now goes to the village board for a final vote.
“The intent is very simply to maximize our return to our taxpayers in the village of Bristol. We accepted the highest offer, and that doesn’t include uses. It’s simply a land sale,” Farrell said.
Still, area residents are concerned. Carolyn Owens, a former Bristol Village Board member who did not seek re-election this year, told Wisconsin Spotlight a casino would not be welcome in the community. “I think the concept would not be popular with the residents of Bristol. We’ve tried to keep controlled development. I would be surprised if this community welcomed it.”
Owens said she believes village officials want to “fast-track this sale through. We aren’t in any kind of debt where we need this kind of money. If they want to build something there, fine. But not a casino. That’s going to bring more trouble than we can deal with. They’re seeing dollar signs. That’s all they’re seeing. But are they willing to pay the price for a casino?” she asked.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has been expanding its gaming interests outside of Florida, including a casino/entertainment complex in Rockford, Illinois, about 20 miles south of the Wisconsin border and 90 miles from Kenosha.
