Plans for a casino win over most on Terre Haute council

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

The Terre Haute City Council voted 7-2 in favor of a casino resolution at City Hall last night, although many in attendence spoke out against the proposal.

The  resolution "urges the Indiana General Assembly and Governor Holcomb to adopt any and all legislation for creating a casino/gaming destination in the city." Voting in favor were: President Karrum Nasser, Vice President Curtis DeBaun, Councilmen Earl Elliott, Don Morris, George Azar and Neil Garrison and Councilwoman Amy Auler. Voting against the resolution were: Councilwoman Martha Crossen and Councilman Todd Nation.

Even though a  couple of concerned citizens suggested to the council to consider tabling the resolution for more time to gather information before making the decision, it became clear -- after a more than four-hour long meeting -- that the council members had weighed the differing viewpoints and were ready to decide. Most stated that recently increased fees for residents and the city's financial situation were deal breakers.

"I can't vote to raise your taxes and then turn down the revenue that this could possibly bring," DeBaun said.

Garrison believes the city will profit from additional traffic near the proposed casino.

"This development will  bring jobs; it will bring potential for increased visitors to our community," he said. "This is not a motivation for greed, but for survival."

Nearly 20 residents, including recovering gambling addicts, family members and freinds of others caught in a downward spiral of gambling-related problems, church leaders and addiction counselors pleaded with the council not to back the plan. Many believe the casino would bring a host of social, criminal and economic problems to the area. Some mentioned suicide and marital issues. Others mentioned human trafficking, prostitution and alcoholism. 

However, not all in the large crowd predicted doom and gloom.

A few people addressed the council in favor of the proposed casino, including public safety officials, who feel the community could flourish from the additional revenue and entertainment venues it will offer.

Audience member Bob Flott sees potential for musicians and live entertainment to thrive locally.

"This, I see,  is a way for them [local musicians] to get more exposure and get out there and play some bigger rooms -- and make some more money," he said.

Alex Stolyar, Full House Resorts representative,  was receptive to the idea. He maintains that the city stands to profit in big ways from a casino -- to the tune of an estimated $10 million a year. He also projects the casino -- and all its food, bars, lodging, entertainment and meeting space features ---  will employ 750 people. 

"Those non-gaming amenities -- that's where a lot of the jobs are," Stolyar said, noting that the proposed  casino will include 720 slot machines and 30 table games. He explained that the table games are labor intensive.

​Full House Resorts owns the Rising Star casino in southern Indiana, on the Ohio River and is looking to expand into the Terre Haute area. The Nevada-based gaming company specifically seeks to invest in  property along the Wabash River. If all progresses according to Full House's wishes, the casino would  open the doors to its first gamblers in 2019.

Not present at the meeting, Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) authored the bill in January that would allow plans for the casino to move forward if the law passes. Senate Bill 354 must first get approval where it currently is on the table in the Public Policy Committee before it can advance to the Senate, ultimately proceeding to the House for a vote in order for Terre Haute to see constuction begin on the proposed casino. 

Nasser said he wanted to see first- hand what was going on at the RIsing Star Casino  in Rising Sun, Ind. prior to his vote and visted the community. He was impressed with the benefits of the gaming business there and postive reactions he was met with when speaking to employees and business people in the area regarding the casino.

"This casino will not fix all of our financial problems overnight, but it will speed our path and maybe Terre Haute will be a more viable community that attracts businesses to invest in our city," Nasser said, noting that the revenue will help inmprove infrastructure and retaining college graduates.

In other business:

• The council approved a tax anticipation loan request by Mayor Duke Bennett, but did not approve an additional request for borrowing redevelopment funds.
• The council approved rezoning of property near Union Hospital near Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue for a student apartment project.
• The council tabled a resolution to update a code on fire inspections which would require a fee.