CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Mayor Lightfoot has scheduled a news conference today to announce her choice for the site of the city's first casino. However, opposition has already begun.
2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said that if Bally's bid for the Tribune planting site is the mayor's choice, he has problems with the site and the assertion that it would generate the most revenue.
"Perhaps, until you consider that the consultants who were coming up with these revenue projections have a conflict of interest. They're doing business, a substantial amount of business with the Bally's team," said Hopkins.
Hopkins is also frustrated with the fact that the special casino committee only met once.
"I do think many of my colleagues on the committee are feeling disrespected. We were told that we were going to have a decision to make and now we are being told, 'no we've made the decision already, so we don't need you after all,'" Hopkins added.
Hopkins said developer Neil Bloom's plan for the 78 Site is the best for parking management and future development with or without a casino.
