PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria city leaders are planning to meet next week to discuss the newest proposal from Boyd Gaming regarding the renovated Par-A-Dice Casino.
On Thursday, the Illinois Gaming Board delayed a vote on a December proposal that would have placed the new casino on land with a water basin running under it. That’s because Boyd proposed a new plan where the casino floor sits in a barge over the Illinois River, that’s connected to the existing pavilion.
The plans prompted litigation from the city of Peoria, saying it skirts the spirit of a 1991 intergovernmental agreement that states any land-based casino would be within Peoria.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali says the new plans revealed by Boyd on Thursday ”came as a surprise to the city.” Attorneys representing the city requested more time to view the proposal, with Ali adding that the city will request more information on the plans, and whether they are compliant with state law.
Ali says a closed session of the city council will take place at Tuesday’s regular meeting to discuss the matter.
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