While the Illinois Gaming Board decides which of two applicants will be awarded a license to build a casino on 28 acres of Waukegan-owned land adjacent to the Fountain Square shopping center, Mayor Ann Taylor continues to take a hands-off approach with the state’s decision.
Once the gaming board awards either Full House Resorts or North Point Casino the license, Taylor intends to shed her passive role with one overall question for the winning applicant — what are you going to do for Waukegan?
Taylor discussed maximizing benefits flowing from the casino, developing the city’s downtown and lakefront, public safety and more to more than 200 people during Waukegan Main Street’s 36th annual Lunch With the Mayor Monday at the Glen Flora Country Club.
Admitting she voted against a casino while 9th Ward alderman two years ago, Taylor said as mayor she is charged with bringing a well-operating business to the city which will be a community partner for all residents.
“We don’t just want the casino to open, we want the casino to be successful economically,” she said. “Even more so, we want to ensure that the Waukegan casino is a partner with the city. Millions of dollars of tax revenue will go a long way to support our city.”
Proposals made by Full House and North Point to the city two years ago, and now to the state, contain promises. Taylor said she intends to see they are fulfilled. She expects to see their representatives at City Council meetings, where they will make their ideas known in a recorded public forum.
Laying out the terms of partnership, Taylor said she wants the future casino to become an “economic engine” for overall growth. Benefits need to flow to all-important parts of the community, and addiction to gambling by some cannot be ignored.
“We will demand mitigation for the negative implications of gaming and a complete plan on how the casino will help support our community, help our public schools and engage with other businesses to collaborate on making Waukegan a destination for tourism,” she said.
Making her first appearance at the annual event since her April election, Taylor first offered her vision for the city before answering questions. Some of the first questions were also about the casino and specifically how it will help the schools.
Explaining the casino will be located in the Warren Township portion of the city, Taylor said she wants to hear from the eventual winning applicant about what it will do for all school districts within the city limits.
“There are three school districts that are involved; Waukegan, Warren and Libertyville,” she said in response to a question. “They will all have to get something out of this. That is something we’re going to have to talk to the winning applicant about.”
Touting the recent acquisition of a former bank building at the southeast corner of Genesee and Washington streets, giving the city ownership of entire downtown block bounded by Sheridan Road as well as Genesee, Washington and Water streets, she said it is a key to future development.
“This block of property has unlimited potential for generational economic development,” Taylor said. “It will be a major asset in the long-term, as we are expecting development proposals for the property and adjacent properties in the coming months.”
Asked about lakefront development, Taylor said the city is currently stymied by the barrier of the Canadian National Railroad tracks. The city’s lobbyist is working with the necessary people to try to acquire the rights of way, but she did not give immediate hope.
“Railroads rarely give up property,” she said.
When asked about the potential repaving of Genesee Street, Taylor said it is part of a bigger overall plan. With the federal government pushing for the removal of lead pipes, a plan needs to be developed so pipe laying and street repair take place simultaneously to avoid both the inconvenience and expense of tearing up the roadway twice.
When asked about public safety and ways to curtail gun violence, Taylor said the police department is making lateral hires for the first time, bringing in officers from other departments as well as new recruits. The biggest help can come from the community.
“When you see something, say something,” Taylor said. “People don’t want to say anything. They see what’s happening but they won’t say anything.”
