Developers interested in bringing a casino to Danville are being given two more weeks to submit their plans. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. says so far only two companies had submitted proposals, but he knows more are interested. The city council agreed to extend the deadline to Wednesday, August 21st.
Amy Lamb, representing Downtown Danville, Incorporated, says her group wants to see the casino located closer to the downtown area….
{‘’We feel developing the casino downtown would create an incredible amount of hope and support for current business owners,’’ said Lamb. ‘’The additional business driven by the casino being nearby would cause some businesses to consider expansion, as well as interior and exterior improvements. Owners of vacant buildings would feel encouraged to begin making improvements. And for the first time upstairs living downtown becomes a viable option,’’ said Lamb.}
Dr. Stephen Nacco, President of Danville Area Community College, supports locating the casino in the Southgate area – south of Interstate 74 at Lynch Road….
{‘’My east coast experience with Atlantic City and other casinos, and then in the last week going through Iowa and seeing casinos there – they are always near interstates. They are opulent, an oasis and that’s the attraction,’’ said Dr. Nacco. ‘’And any idea of developing downtown Danville depends on the revenue you generate from the casino.’’}
Mayor Williams says he has no preference on where the casino is located as long as citizens get what they deserve. He noted it is projected that when the casino opens (likely in 2022) it is expected to generate a little over $6 million dollars a year in new revenue for the city. Within five years after opening the casino is expected to provide a little over $7-million dollars a year in new revenue for the City of Danville.
{A large crowd was on hand for Tuesday night’s city council meeting. You can click on the photos to enlarge them.}
