Journal Editor

Asserting that Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm is "not a stupid man", Des Plaines Ald. Tom Becker (6th) said that Bluhm recently renewed his option to purchase property along River Road where a casino can be located.

That renewal, indicated Becker, is clear evidence that Bluhm continues to hold out strong hope that Des Plaines will eventually be chosen by the state to serve as the community where Illinois' 10th casino will be located.

According to Becker, Bluhm is paying between $25,000 and $50,000 a month for the option to purchase the former Xerox building property located on the west side of River Road north of Devon Avenue. Becker said he also believes Bluhm possesses options to buy property from the Xerox building south to Devon Avenue where a hotel and other entertainment-related businesses could be built.

Last week, the Illinois Gaming Board voted to revoke the license of the Emerald Casino which had been earmarked for Rosemont. While that action did not take Rosemont out of the running as the host community for a casino, it will likely lead to more litigation and possible re-bidding for the license. Those prospects buoy the hopes of Des Plaines leaders that the city will become the site of the casino, which would undoubtedly become the most lucrative casino in the state because of its close proximity to O'Hare Airport.

Ald. Becker said yesterday (Wednesday) that he talked to Bluhm's casino representative, Greg Carlin, this week to discuss the gambling issue "and to see if there's any PR matters we need to do." Added Becker, "I talk to Greg about once every two weeks. They want to come to Des Plaines for a meeting after the first of the year."

"Their intention is to meet with us after the holidays," added City Manager Dave Niemeyer. "From my standpoint, we'll meet to discuss where we're at and our next steps." Niemeyer stated that the Emerald license revocation gives him more hope that eventually Des Plaines will be selected.

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