The city of Rockford staff will recommend certification of the Hard Rock International casino proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board, per
mayor Tom McNamara.McNamara reviewed casino proposals from Hard Rock,
Rock River West Casino Group, and Forest City Casino on Monday.
recommend casino“After review and consideration of all the responses and weighing the totality of the strengths and weaknesses against the City’s objectives,
City Staff recommends that the City Council certify the Hard Rock
Proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board," says McNamara.McNamara says Hard
Rock has also agreed to a minimum payment of $7 million of gaming taxes
to the city.
"Hard Rock has the strongest and most complete proposal. It’s financial structure is credible. The Hard Rock proposal includes
realistic and sustainable minimum gambling tax guarantees, along with
additional revenue from payments to offset impacts to the city."In a
public hearing last Monday, representatives announced the temporary
location would be at Giovanni's Restaurant and Convention Center. Hard
Rock would be able to open there within 90 days if they get the
license.The long-term location would include three restaurants and a
16,000-square-foot seating area for concerts. Hard Rock has partnered
with the Rockford Park District and plans to invest in its programs.
"We think there's a great workforce here and we think it's located in a great place that people are used to going to since they were kids,"
said Jeff Hook, executive vice president of development and marketing
for Hard Rock International, at last week's public hearing. "At the old
clock tower site, we're looking forward to smooth sailing here."
McNamara says city staff were not in a position to recommend the Forest City casino proposal over lack of equity funding details, nor the
Gorman proposal, which has not secured an operator."My responsibility
as mayor, and that of our team and the city council, was to select the
proposal or proposals that had the best opportunity to provide the most
benefits to Rockford,” says McNamara.
