Quote:
Originally Posted by OrdoSeclorum
The Crains article said that others will be considered, but that Lightfoot campaigned on keeping it out of downtown. I expect that the revenue projections will show that Michael Reese is by far the most profitable due to McCormick attendance and parking availability. Would probably draw from the Museum Campus too. Though State and Pershing is interesting. White Sox games could lead right into a casino evening. And with the Bronzeville and Chinatown already sort-of booming, and IIT close by, I could see the casino anchoring enough economic activity to move the needle on a near South Side resurgence.
As long as a Casino can be walked into from the sidewalk, isn't surround by surface parking and doesn't require entering in through a parking garage or a Bellagio-style 300 yard setback, I'll be happy. And I'd like there to be a sorts book.
|
This. I think Lori obviously sees the casino as a driver of economic resurgence... not a detractor. And with that in mind, the thought becomes one of which areas can benefit most by the casino. At least that appears to be her thought on it judging by the preliminary site selections. And really, when you get down to it, as much as I would like to see havens of vice as far away from vulnerable areas as possible, the flip side of it is that it could spur employment within those areas and help boost local businesses/restaurants in those areas. It’s a bit if a Hail Mary no doubt, but it could be exactly what’s needed to inject new life in those long neglected areas.
It’s a gamble... but not a gamble without a purpose. Time will tell whether it will pay off or not. No pun intended.
That said, I still think it’s early. We could very well see an entirely new site emerge as the favorite.