Mayor Plans Update on Casino

Mayor Marty Moylan plans to host a meeting next month for small businesses to inform them of recent construction updates and what they can expect with the arrival of the state's newest casino.

"There's a lot of question, and I said the best way to answer all these questions is to talk with the representatives," said Moylan.

The mayor will be joined by representatives from Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, and the public works department. Moylan said small business owners need to know what they can do to take advantage of the 6,000-9,000 people expected to be drawn to Des Plaines because of the casino.

Midwest Gaming, which was awarded the 10th Illinois casino license in 2008, is constructing a 147,000-square-foot gambling complex on 20 acres at Des Plaines River Road and Devon Avenue.

Co-owner of the Paradise Pup on 1724 South River Road said he was not informed on the recent construction. "There's no information; I get nothing here," George Manos said.

Manos said he has seen a small change in the number of customers visiting his fast-food diner due to the construction down the road, but noted it hasn't been too bad.   

Tim Oakley, director of public works and engineering, said the construction phase is expected to be completed in June.

"This is the worst it'll get," said Oakley.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 in the public library, 1501 Ellinwood St.

You can read an open letter from Mayor Moylan to business owners here.