Bally’s Chicago Officials Met With Community To Allay Fears

Bally’s officials recently met with community leaders in Chicago’s River North district to address concerns about a temporary Illinois casino expected to open at the Medinah Temple in 2023. Residents are primarily worried about traffic, parking, safety, and job opportunities for minorities.

Christopher Jewett, the vice president of corporate development at Bally’s, and Ameet Patel, the senior vice president of regional operations, were present at the two-hour meeting held at the Voco hotel.

According to Melody Mercardo’s report for Block Club Chicago, Stéphane Brahy, the president of the condo association for 55 East Erie, delivered a statement during the public comments section.

The disruptive influence of the casino on the community is clear, especially considering that families and children live in the area.

Furthermore, located just a block away from the 110-year-old Medinah Temple, the St. James Cathedral is facing concerns from Rev. Lisa Hackney-James about potential parking issues for parishioners attending Sunday services due to the influx of casino patrons.

Hackney-James raised concerns in the Chicago Sun-Times regarding families with children attending church and questioned the lack of guarantees that they wouldn’t face overcrowded parking.

Bally’s says 5,000 area parking spaces more than enough

According to Tim Doron, Bally’s senior traffic consultant, a report commissioned by the casino company revealed that approximately 5,000 spaces in nearby garages are available for parking. The report also confirmed that there are more than sufficient spaces to accommodate the estimated 500 spots needed during the casino’s busiest hours of operation.

Furthermore, Doron explained the logistics of valet parking and ride-sharing services near the Medinah Temple. According to the traffic report, it is expected that around four vehicles will arrive and depart each minute during peak hours.

Brendan Reilly, alderperson of Chicago’s 42nd Ward, had raised concerns about the credibility of Bally’s traffic report due to the fact that Bally’s had financed the study.

Reilly stated that in his view, the study is fundamentally flawed, overly ambiguous, and clearly biased towards proving the feasibility of a casino at Medinah Temple. Drawing on his extensive experience reviewing traffic studies, he asserted that this particular study is deficient and lacks the credibility that an impartial evaluation would have provided.

Furthermore, Reilly mentioned that the study’s prediction of the number of bettors who will choose to walk or take public transportation is not accurate.

He claimed that he doubted anyone would be stupid enough to bring cash to a casino on public transportation or by foot. He also disagreed with the report’s many assumptions, feeling that the estimated number of new vehicle trips was significantly underestimated.

Police, Bally’s tout enhanced safety protocols

At the Voco hotel meeting, the Bally’s team addressed residents’ concerns about public safety by highlighting their top-notch safety initiatives. They assured the community that their efforts would cover all aspects of safety.

• The only entrance to the casino
• a 24/7 video surveillance system
• concealed weapons detection technology
• private security

According to First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter, officers from the 18th District of the Chicago Police Department will be assigned to patrol the exterior of the casino. More license plate readers and street cameras will also be installed in the area surrounding the casino.

Carter affirmed that every possible measure has been taken to collaborate with Bally’s in ensuring public safety both within and around the venue.

Bally’s has committed to minority hiring

On the other hand, a few attendees at the meeting voiced their support for the casino and the potential employment opportunities it could bring.

In May, Bally’s entered into an agreement with Chicago that commits to maintaining a 60% minority hiring target and creating a job initiative focused on communities experiencing high unemployment and low income. This program will offer opportunities for career growth and advancement.

During a recent community meeting, officials from Bally’s revealed plans to open an employment and training center at the beginning of next year. Additionally, they announced that a casino job fair is scheduled for late spring or early summer, with a temporary casino set to open in June.

The temporary site will be comprised of three floors and will include:

• 800 slot machines
• 50 gaming tables
• A restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with fast food options and bars.

The temporary casino will be in use for a period of three years.

Permanent Illinois casino in River West expected by 2026

Bally’s successfully acquired the River West land for $200 million on Nov. 22, marking a significant step towards the construction of its permanent Bally’s Chicago casino. The casino is set to be located on the premises of the Freedom Center printing plant, which is responsible for printing the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers.

The plans clearly outline that the permanent casino is scheduled to be finished by 2026 and will include:

• 3,400 slots
• 170 table games
• 10 dining and drinking spots
• A hotel skyscraper offering 500 rooms along with a rooftop bar.
• A wide riverfront promenade with a water taxi station.
• A 65,000 square foot entertainment center with enough seating for 3,000 people.
• The venue includes a 20,000 square foot exhibition space, an outdoor area for music performances, and a green outdoor space.