Chicago casino sails out of committee, 27-3

Chicago City Hall exterior Photo credit WBBM Newsradio

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Plans for a Bally's Casino in River West cleared a major Chicago City Council hearing Monday and seems poised for a decisive vote later this week.

The latest Special Casino Committee meeting highlighted new questions about minority involvement and a rehashing of Ald. Brendan Reilly’s objections to a temporary casino at the old Medinah Temple, which is in his downtown ward.

He said that spot wasn’t Bally’s choice for a casino as its permanent site is built along the Chicago River. Reilly has also complained about what he considers an overly fast process in reviewing the project.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), chair of the council’s Latino Caucus, said he’s concerned about a lack of minority participation in the construction.

Bally’s said a Latino-led construction company will be involved.

The committee voted to 27-3 to send the project forward, for a full City Council vote as soon as Wednesday. The “no” votes were Reilly and Alds. Brian Hopkins (2nd) and Michele Smith (43rd), whose wards also are nearby.

27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., whose community will host the casino, said the financial and job benefits of the casino make sense.