I think everybody, everyone, even the folks that's against it know that this is the best deal that we can get in order to move forward and dealing with her pension fund for the city of Chicago,' Burnett said.īally's executives at the committee meeting reaffirmed pledges that 46% of all contracts will go to minority- or women-owned firms and that 60% of hiring will go to minorities. 'I think right now a lot of things are theatrical because folks are running for office. 'My concern is about folks who have addictions with alcohol or gambling addictions and what we are doing to make sure we address that as a health issue and not fostering more of it without properly addressing it as a city,' Vazquez said.Īlderman Burnett, who is giving the measure a thumbs up Wednesday, was concerned about minorities and residents from his ward being able to get jobs through the project, but he said he has the reassurances he needs. The senior partners in this venture had no experience in the casino industry when they acquired Bally's.'Īlderman Andre Vazquez of the 40th Ward is in favor of the casino but has his own concerns. 'They don't bring experience running a casino. 'What do they bring to the table? They don't bring the money that they need to make this happen,' said 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins.

Some in City Council have raised red flags surrounding traffic and safety issues in the area. The plan supported by Mayor Lori Lightfoot has come with pushback. The city is counting on the casino to bring in $200 million in annual revenue once it's fully up and running. The council approved an ordinance to rezone the area where the casino will be built, a move required because that land is part of a previously approved planned development that called for high rises and other businesses and residential units. RELATED: Plan for temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple lacks safety details, River North alderman says It's really helping us to balance our budget and our budgets for the future and our pension challenges, but also, it's gonna bring a lot of amenities to the city,' Burnett said. 'The casino deal is very exciting for the city of Chicago. It would be located in Alderman Walter Burnett's 27th Ward.

ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington discusses the Chicago casino as well as the mayor's race.

Ballyâ™s hotel casino