(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The first meeting of the Chicago City Council’s special casino committee featured many aldermen raising a myriad of questions before a developer is even selected from among the three proposals.
Some City Council members asked about traffic and existing development plans around the proposed sites, while others talked finances.
And during public comments, Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter raised another issue. He said none of the developers has agreed to have collective bargaining agreements with the casino and hotel workers.
West Side Alderman Walter Burnett echoed the concern, but Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett said the companies are expected to have labor agreements.
Meantime, Alds. Michael Scott and Leslie Hairston asked why the casino site wasn’t picked first so that developers could then make proposals for one location. Finance officials cited reasons of expertise and economics.
Ald. Pat Dowell asked how a casino would affect an area that already has a development plan; two do. And her residents want to know how officials will address things like noise and neon lights in the areas, she said.
Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Samir Mayekar said the issues raised Monday will be dealt with.
Still, the questions kept coming. And it was only the committee’s first hearing.
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