Wabash Ave., next year and to have the permanent location finished in 2026. If that OK comes, Bally’s hopes to open a temporary casino at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Reilly said the zoning review should have come earlier in the city’s casino deliberation.Īpproval from alderpersons would give Bally’s the zoning authority to start construction, but the company still needs certification from the Illinois Gaming Board to operate in Chicago. “And typical process requirements, like a completely vetted traffic study, public safety plan and parking accommodations, would have been prepared well in advance of the City Council issuing any approvals for a project like this.” “It seems as though this airplane is being built as it’s flying,” Reilly said.

Brendan Reilly (42nd) told the commission that Bally’s ongoing changes to its plan show it was poorly conceived from the start. Many nearby residents in River North continue to oppose the project for reasons that include density, congestion and potential crime.ĭowntown Ald. Some spoke in its favor, praising Bally’s for revising it in response to community complaints. She did not explain her vote.Īs the commission is stacked with mayoral allies, no member ventured a criticism of the project. The only opposing vote came from architect Laura Flores, the commission’s chairperson. Burnett, a member of the commission, recused himself from the vote.

The panel’s recommendation, approved on a 12-1 vote, goes to the Council for final review, which could come Wednesday.

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