Bally's pop-up casino in Chicago fuels crime, traffic worries
Last week, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved Bally's plan to build a temporary casino at Medinah Temple near the North Shore of the Chicago River. But locals fear the site will lead to more crime and traffic congestion.
The Rhode Island-based gaming company plans to build a $1.7 billion integrated resort northwest of the downtown Loop, its first in the city. The Medina Temple property will remain in use until construction of the permanent site is completed. The temple is located at 600 N. Wabash Ave. It has been used many times since it was built 111 years ago, but has been vacant since 2020.
Still, it's in a busy area of the nation's third-largest city, where residents worry about the impact of the temporary casino on traffic. The North River Residents Association (RNRA) fears both communities will face increased congestion due to the accommodation site.
It appears to be a foregone conclusion that the streets and alleys of the River North and River West neighborhoods will continue to bear the brunt of traffic congestion for years to come," the group said."The RNRA wants better from the appropriate city agencies To effectively communicate to the public traffic management and methods that can be used to stop traffic on all residential neighborhood streets near the casino. "
Local politicians agreed, claiming a previous traffic study commissioned by Bally's did not provide a full picture of the chaos that could threaten residents.
CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT CRIME
With nearly every new casino opening, regardless of location, residents are concerned about a possible increase in crime. While some studies have shown no clear link between new gaming venues and rising crime rates, the concern is important to Chicago residents as the city is plagued by rampant crime.
The city's murder and sexual assault rates have declined over the past year, according to the Chicago Police Department. But there has also been a sharp rise in burglaries, robberies, thefts and motor vehicle thefts. Over the past three-day weekend, 75 people were shot in Chicago, leaving 13 dead. Even without the casinos, River North's crime rate is higher than the national average but lower than Chicago.
"River North has 13 violent crimes and 78 property crimes per year. This equates to 4.19 violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 25.15 property crimes per 1,000 residents. The neighborhood has much lower violent crime rates than the city as a whole The average is nine crimes per 1,000 residents," Movoto said.
In other words, North River's crime statistics aren't perfect, but when compared to Chicago's overall numbers, residents worry that casinos may be fueling crime.
Residents want more from Bally’s
When it comes to crime, residents and RNRA members trust Bally's, working with CPD, to keep the neighborhood where the temporary casino is located safe. However, they doubt gambling companies have the ability to do the same across communities.
We are taking a number of steps to address these issues, including Bally's commitment to end outdoor events at 9pm. weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. The RNRA is also calling on bookmakers to ensure venue bar opening hours are consistent with other pubs in the area so drinkers do not simply leave the bar at closing time and head to the casino to continue drinking.
Bally's plans to tackle crime and traffic problems, it says. However, the company has yet to share these efforts with local leaders. Councilor Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he had applied for the plans but had been refused on the basis that Bally’s was currently working to gain IGB approval for a permanent integrated resort.
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Source: www.casino.org
