Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Another version of a casino bill is expected to resurface on the governors desk within a couple months and legislators are much more optimistic about its passage.
Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed a casino bill Monday that would have opened up an opportunity for a south suburban license, in addition to four other licenses, the Chicago Tribune reports. This may not be much of a setback for Homewood’s casino plans, however. A new version of the bill with tighter regulations—as per Quinn’s request—is expected to surface before the end of session. “The governor may even like it,” bill sponsor Sen. Terry Link said. Last month, Homewood issued a request for casino proposals. Casino companies have until the end of the month to express their interest in teaming up with the village. Get the rest of the story by the Chicago Tribune
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The village hopes to announce a casino partnership by the end of May.
Homewood is one small step closer to getting a casino, according to a press release from the village. Last Friday, the joint team of Homewood and East Hazel Crest issued what’s called a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFP) last Friday. As a result, casino companies will now compete to offer the best package proposal for our area. “The villages intend to select one successful applicant, enter into best-and-final negotiations, and enter into a Project Development Agreement to prepare for the Illinois Gaming Board license application process,” said a press release from the village. The villages intend to have the site developed into a long-term, quality gaming and entertainment destination with associated lodging, parking, and …
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Jobs, entertainment and funding for education are all anticipated to come along with a South Suburban casino should Homewood secure its development.
Plans for an “economic development engine” are starting to take shape after last Monday’s information meeting, hosted jointly with East Hazel Crest. While specific details, such as revenue approximations and casino concepts are slated to be answered later on in the process, the village is sketching a vision of what a future Homewood casino might look like. The casino will bring along with it an entire entertainment package, including a South Suburban hotel, according to the village’s legal counsel Craig Burkhardt. With that package comes about 1,000 jobs, according to Burkhardt. “These are good, solid, highly-paying jobs that support families that send their kids to college,” Burkhardt said. The issue of security and fear of an increased …
Monday, December 17, 2012
It's not too late to submit questions via Homewood's online submission form for tonight's informative meeting about the village's casino development project.
Residents will get a chance to learn more about Homewood’s casino development project tonight, Dec. 17 at the Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. The village, along with East Hazel Crest, will hold a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. to “introduce the public to the gaming and entertainment development being sought by both villages,” according to a press release. READ: South Suburban Casino Could Be in Homewood's Future There will also be a question-answering segment at the end of the presentation. The villages are asking all questions be submitted online via this form no later than 3 p.m., Monday Dec. 17.
Friday, August 17, 2012
This week on Patch Talk we're discussing Homewood video gambling, the possibility of a new community center and more.
Please feel free to leave feedback comments below and, as always, thanks for listening!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The controversial ordinance amendment passed unanimously during the Aug. 14 Homewood Village Board meeting.
Ready or not, here it comes. The ordinance prohibiting state approved video gaming within the Village of Homewood was unanimously amended Tuesday night. Now, establishments with an on-premise consumption liquor license will be allowed to install video gambling machines. All machines are regulated to accept nothing higher than a $2 bet and to pay out no more than $500. Rather than dispensing money, the machines print out vouchers that can only be redeemed by special ATM-like machines. Not all in attendance were supportive of the change, though. Lucy Kokal spoke on behalf of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in opposition of the ordinance amendment. Underage gambling and gambling addiction were Kokal’s chief concerns. During the meeting, …
Monday, August 13, 2012
A preview of what's going to be discussed and voted on during Homewood's Aug. 14 village board meeting.
Homewood Village President Richard Hofeld and the village trustees will meet at Homewood Village Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. New Village Manger Swearing In Jim Marino will be sworn in as Homewood's new village manager. Marino is taking the place of former Village Manager Ralph DeWitt who resigned due to medical complications. Honoring 20 Years of Employment Alexander Muszynski is slated on the agenda to be recognized for 20 years of service to the Village of Homewood as a public works employee. Board Meeting Date Changed Homewood's scheduled Tuesday, September 25 village board meeting will be changed to Monday, September 24, 2012. State Approved Gaming The trustees will be voting on whether Homewood should be allowed to permit…
Tobias Cichon
1:13 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
Can't Homewood just get around this silly gubernatorial red tape by naming the casino "Wall St."? more ›