 | COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: June 6, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
Columbus City Council Approves Casino Agreement Legislation
The Columbus City Council has unanimously approved legislation that authorizes terms of a settlement agreement between the City of Columbus and CD Gaming Ventures, LLC, a vote that brings a west side casino project and increased economic development opportunities in the West Broad Street corridor one step closer to becoming a reality.
“This agreement secures annexation of the casino site into the city and with that annexation, the chance to create thousands of jobs and new businesses on the west side,” said Councilmember Zachary M. Klein, chair of the Development Committee. “We look forward to the site being a catalyst for growth in the region and a benefit to the entire city.”
CD Gaming Ventures, LLC estimates the casino project will bring some 3500 construction jobs to Columbus and 2000 permanent positions when the casino is operational. The approval of the agreement is the latest in a series of City Council initiatives designed to bolster business on the west side. In the past few years, Council approved money for a market analysis to study consumer trends and retail needs in the Hilltop neighborhood area. Councilmembers also supported the statewide ballot question to move the casino from the Arena District to the current site at West Broad Street and Georgesville Road, and earlier this year, worked with the local area commission, neighbors and business leaders to update the West Broad Street Overlays that will help guide economic development in region for years to come. An important component in the negotiation talks with the casino developer included both parties investing some $5-million for such things as economic development programs, job training initiatives, and charitable causes in that portion of town.
The agreement now goes to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio for final approval.
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