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City joins forces for casino license James D. Wolf Jr January 23, 2004 CHICAGO HEIGHTS -- Chicago Heights has officially joined a consortium to bring the last Illinois gambling license to the south suburbs, which would mean about $650,000 annually for the city. The City Council this week voted unanimously to join 17 other municipalities working to get the state's 10th casino license for an undeveloped 380-acre site at Interstate Highways 80 and 57 in Country Club Hills. "It would bring in a significant amount of money for the city," Ald. Lisa Aprati said. Aprati, who attended the meeting of 18 south suburbs in Chicago on Friday, said Tuesday that she believes the consortium has a chance to succeed with the support of state Sen. Emil Jones (D) of Chicago. Mayor Anthony DeLuca said the casino revenue could also help Chicago Heights cut its budget deficit. The 10 suburbs allied with Crestwood for the license and the eight allied with Country Club Hills came together last week and put together a plan by the Monday deadline. The south suburbs in the consortium are eligible based on economic need and include Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Alsip, Blue Island, Calumet Park, Ford Heights, Midlothian, Phoenix, Posen, Riverdale, Robbins, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dixmoor, Dolton, Harvey, Hazel Crest and Worth. The Illinois Gaming Board has projected choosing three candidates by Feb. 20 and one finalist by March, chief of staff Dan Proft said. Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune |
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