The location of a future convention center in or around Gary is sparking a tug-of-war between communities in the Indiana portion of the Chicago metropolitan area.
The proposed new convention and hotel complex, called Lake County Convention Center, would draw many visitors to the northern Indiana area each year. That makes it attractive to nearby casinos or future casinos that may emerge in Chicago, a city still grappling with the growth of its gaming landscape. One way or another, the center will be situated conveniently close to the Gary/Chicago International Airport. However, there are multiple casinos in the area, at least two of which feel they should host the center.
At the center of much of the debate are the preferences of community leaders and county council for Horseshoe Hammond Casino.
Civic leaders in Gary and nearby Hobart have argued for Gary as the location. The locale will be largely decided by the Lake County Board of Commissioners. Those two communities and neighboring areas currently host competing casinos that thirst for a new convention center and the potential millions it could bring in new customers each year. The center is projected to be completed in 2026.
Community activists oppose favoring one casino over another
of the Common Council of the City of Hammond are in opposition to the Lake County Board of Commissioners swinging in one direction that favors a specific casino.
In a prepared statement, the Common Council noted:
“The Common Council of the City of Hammond hereby strongly requests that the Lake County Commissioners do not select a location for a Lake County Convention Center at this time as it does not make economic sense…
“It potentially subsidizes one casino at the expense of other casinos, including Horseshoe Hammond, and it is not in the best interests of taxpayers and residents of the City of Hammond.”
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott raised concerns over public funding of a project that will benefit the deep-pocketed casinos.
“Why do the citizens of Lake County have to fund Hard Rock’s expansion? Hard Rock Casino is the most profitable casino in the state of Indiana, and they’re on the cusp of getting a couple hundred million dollars in tax incentives to build an addition to their casino. It’s outrageous.”
In contrast, Eddie Melton, the Mayor of Gary, sees the proposed convention center in Lake County as making sense, pointing out that tax revenue from gaming could fund the project.
