Zoning Petitions Cater To New Danville Golden Nugget Casino

The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission recently convened to deliberate on zoning petitions tailored to the needs of the Golden Nugget Danville Casino. The casino is projected to open in March 2023, provided construction remains on schedule.

The petitions were made by Logan Cronk, Danville’s zoning administrator and community development administrator.

His objective is to get approval for a text amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance, particularly regarding definitions and additions to multiple uses.

Cronk anticipates that the Illinois General Assembly (IGA) will further relax its gaming laws in the Land of Lincoln. He is determined to prepare Danville and the Golden Nugget for this expected change.

Casinos in Illinois are currently experiencing a period of growth. Discussions about zoning suggest that this growth is expected to continue.

Text amendments in motion for business and industrial zones

The term ‘Casino’ has just been incorporated into the dictionary of the Danville city zoning ordinance, with its definition being:

“A facility authorized by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to conduct gambling games under the Illinois Gaming Act, with a minimum of 10,000 contiguous square feet on its main floor.”

The term “casino” will be added to the list of terms related to zoning district uses, particularly within B-3 business zoning and I-2 industrial zoning districts.

Danville looking ahead to an expansion of gambling options

Cronk is concentrating on ensuring Danville is ready for potential new gaming legislation in Illinois. He desires for the city to be equipped to enact new IGB rules immediately.

Cronk is being assisted in this endeavor by Corp. Counsel James Simon. The duo recently dispatched a memo to the zoning commission:

The city hopes to be able to react promptly should the Illinois Gaming Board approve additional forms of gaming within the state.

Other potential forms may encompass an increased or unlimited quantity of video gambling terminals, larger off-track betting parlors (OTB), enhanced betting on college and professional sports, or a mix of these and other conceivable gambling forms.

Cronk and Simon also mentioned in the memo the possible effects that text amendments may have on specific zoning districts in Danville. They pointed out, for instance, that restrictions on the legal use of properties by owners could potentially reduce property value.

At present, there are 180 video gaming terminals housed across 33 properties in Danville. Additionally, Cronk and Simon envision permitting gaming activities in the B-3 business zone and I-2 industrial zone.

The pair pointed out the empty properties in every zone that could potentially become gaming establishments in the future.

The Danville City Council recently held a vote that officially considered potential future expansions of gambling and permitted more locations. With a unanimous 13-0 vote, the council sanctioned a text amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance for use definitions.

How will gambling expansion in Danville impact the community?

City staff from Danville communicated with the planning staff from Joliet to understand the influence of Harrah’s Joliet Casino on the region. At first, the community had a low property value.

Danville officials, however, discovered that the casino was a beneficial investment. The opening of Harrah’s significantly increased the property value in the area.

Furthermore, Hollywood Casino and Hotel Joliet, situated in an industrial area of the city, have had no adverse effects on local businesses.

Cronk and Simon believe that Joliet’s success sets a precedent, demonstrating that a casino’s entry into a business or industrial zone will not harm the existing community.

What can gamblers expect at the Danville Golden Nugget Casino?

In April, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction for the Danville Golden Nugget Casino.

Although the casino’s budget has been exceeded, its official opening date is scheduled for March 2023. Here’s a glimpse of what visitors to the casino can anticipate after its inauguration:

• 41,500-square-foot gaming floor
• 500 slot machines
• 14 table games
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• Two restaurants

The operation of the new gaming facility in central Illinois is estimated to create 300 jobs.