Proposed Matteson Casino Opposed By Frankfort Township Board

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort Township board has sent a letter of opposition to the Illinois Gaming Board regarding the location of a proposed casino in Matteson. According to a release, the board called for the gaming board to deny the location at the corner of Harlem Avenue and Lincoln Highway.

The casino location is in close proximity to two schools and three residential neighborhoods, the board said.

“The proposed location for this casino is inappropriate,” Frankfort Township Supervisor Jim Moustis said in a release. “Casino gambling should be located farther from school children and residential neighborhoods than the selected site. A more commercial location would be appropriate for a casino than directly adjacent to residential neighborhoods and schools.”

The proposed site, which was approved by the Matteson village board in October, is across the street from Frankfort Square and less than half a mile from Summit Hill Junior High and less than one mile from Indian Trail Elementary School.

The township board joins two Will County board members who have also voiced their opposition to the proposal.

“The current site location will have tremendous impact on our residents and our local infrastructure without the corresponding revenue to address those impacts,” Frankfort Township Trustee Dave Smith said in a release. “This is not an appropriate location for a casino and we are asking the village of Matteson to look into other more appropriate locations.”

“This area is flourishing,” Frankfort Township Trustee Nick George added. “We don’t need a casino here. It should be located in a commercial area that needs reinvestment.”

Only one casino will be permitted in the south suburbs, and four proposals have been submitted.

According to the Illinois Gaming Board, Calumet City, Homewood/East Hazel Crest, Lynwood and Matteson have all submitted proposals for a casino. The board has 12 months to process and determine eligibility for each applicant.

The casino proposed in Matteson is right near its Frankfort Township boundary on the corner of Lincoln Highway and Harlem Avenue. The Chocktaw Nation of Oklahoma would operate this casino, which would include about 2,000 gaming positions, a 36,000-square-foot convention space and a 200-room hotel.