Casino developer hears resident gripes about traffic, crime - and looming 'millstone'
A wild card in Chicago's deck of possible casino developers on Tuesday tried to win over a packed auditorium of South Loop residents expressing concern over increased traffic and crime potentially "destroying the quality of life" in their neighborhood if the city's long-sought gambling house is placed near Soldier Field.
Representatives for the proposed Hard Rock Chicago touted the group's minority investment commitment, business acumen and community connections while pitching their plan to build a casino over the Metra tracks next to Du Sable Lake Shore Drive near 18th Street.
Hard Rock is one of three finalists chosen by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to land the coveted Chicago casino license. The developers put their chips on the table before a 385-capacity crowd at Harold Washington Library in the first of three public presentations by the finalists set to be delivered this week in their respective host communities.
• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.