The Kenosha City Council voted Wednesday night in favor of multi-million dollar intergovernmental agreement with the Menominee Tribe’s gaming authority, a major milestone that helps pave the way for a future Hard Rock casino on the city's west side in the coming years.
Alderpersons voted 11-6 during a packed regularly scheduled City Council meeting inside the Municipal Building, 625 52nd St., for the agreement.
Alds. Rocco LaMacchia, David Bogdala, Ruth Dyson, Daniel Prozanski, Anthony Kennedy, Keith Rosenberg, Curt Wilson, Brandi Ferree, Jack Rose, Bill Siel and Rollin Pizzala voted for it.
Alds. Dominic Ruffalo, Holly Kangas, Kelly MacKay, David Mau, Eric Haugaard and Jan Michalski voted against it.
DANIEL GAITAN
The Wednesday vote on approving the casino agreement came after the City Council unexpectedly in November chose to defer a vote on the agreement.
The Menominee would own the casino and its related facilities, and Hard Rock would serve as developer and manager of the project proposed just west of Interstate 94 on about 60 acres of land.
Joey Awonohopay, chairman of the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority and tribal legislator, right, speaks during an interview at the Kenosha News on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.
Wednesday’s vote came after the City Council voted unexpectedly in November to defer a vote on the agreement until this week so council members had more time to review the matter and hear from any concerned constituents or area residents. Dozens of area residents attended the meeting.
The Menominee would own the casino and its related facilities, and Hard Rock would serve as developer and manager of the project proposed just west of Interstate 94 on about 60 acres of land.
Joey Awonohopay, chairman of the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority and tribal legislator, right, speaks during an interview at the Kenosha News on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.
Wednesday’s vote came after the City Council voted unexpectedly in November to defer a vote on the agreement until this week so council members had more time to review the matter and hear from any concerned constituents or area residents. Dozens of area residents attended the meeting.
