Story posted Thursday, May 28, 2009
Will OTB Opposition Come Too Late?
Final Village Approval Expected Monday
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
A decision could be made next Monday (June 1) on whether or not an off-track betting facility can operate within Buffalo Grove village limits.
Sparks flew earlier this month between newly-elected village board members Lisa Stone, Beverly Sussman and other veteran trustees.
Stone and Sussman have been vocal against the proposed operation, claiming an OTB will bring little generated revenue and negative personification to the village.
Inter-Track Partners LLC is proposing a lease with Adam's Rib & Ale House, 301 N. Milwaukee Ave., to oversee gaming and manage security inside the eatery. Owners of the restaurant would continue to oversee the food and beverage business.
Board members earlier this month approved special use of the off-track betting facility in the village. This Monday, trustees could approve the location of the OTB inside the restaurant, a second requirement needed prior to the betting facility beginning operations.
The Village of Riverwoods recently unanimously approved a resolution stating its opposition against the betting facility as it would be less than a mile away from its village limits.
In that resolution, it states that Riverwoods trustees believe the operation would be "injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Riverwoods and other nearby communities as a result of the negative influences that are often associated with legalized gambling."
The resolution encourages Buffalo Grove officials not to take any steps to authorize such a facility.
"A 6-0 vote is strong language," said Stone.
Stone claims she and other village officials have received countless emails from residents who are opposed to the OTB facility.
"The ratio is ridiculous," said Stone. "There has never been an issue this opinionated by the community. Positively hands down the people of Buffalo Grove by a major majority are against this."
Village President Elliot Hartstein also confirmed there have been numerous emails and letters from residents opposing the OTB.
"The board will consider everything at the time they vote and will look at all the facts involved," said Hartstein. "I am confident the board will base their decision in the best interest of the community."
In Wheeling, village board members Tuesday night (May 26) discussed the possibility of the off-track facility coming within feet of its town limits and gave positive feedback.
Stone said she has no problem if Wheeling officials truly believe an OTB is a good thing for the community. However, she is bothered by Wheeling trustees who would not be comfortable having the OTB in their town but claim they are ok with the project simply because they don't want to tell another community what to do.
Inter-Track still needs state approval, which will not happen until the middle of June even if the village board approves the plan on June 1. Once they get state approval, Inter-Track could begin operating as early as the following day.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.