Some aldermen want slower process to consider casino project

Chicago City Hall Photo credit WBBM Newsradio

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Lightfoot Administration is still pushing for City Council approval of a casino along the Chicago River next week, but several aldermen are complaining that things are moving too fast.

Mayor Lightfoot originally wanted the Casino Committee to authorize Bally’s to own and operate a casino in River West at Friday's meeting. But the panel chairman, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), said there will be a number of meetings next week. He held off a vote at Friday’s meeting, which Tunney said was for information purposes.

But the city’s chief financial officer, Jennie Bennett, said Chicago’s expected $300 million budget shortfall means time is of the essence.

Downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly accused the administration of rushing toward approval.

“There are a lot of procedural gymnastics being engaged in for us to get a vote on this by the full City Council next Wednesday. I think a two-day reprieve is not really a lot of extra time to vet this transparently,’ he said.

Earlier this month, the mayor chose to advance Bally's proposal over two others.

Tunney said the council is expected to vote on the plan next week.