Mayor Williams Looks Forward to Multiple Community Investments from Casino Operator

It became official Thursday that the Illinois Gaming Board has given Danville’s proposed Golden Nugget Casino thumbs up for construction.  But Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr says this means so much more than a casino that will start out with over 41,000 square feet of gaming space, 500 slot machines and two restaurants.  He says what also needs to be realized is the upfront community investments that Wilmorite Management Group, the driving force behind Danville Development, LLC; has committed to.

Projected view of Golden Nugget Casino from Lynch Road, along with Floor and Site Plans.

First, one-million dollars will go to Boys and Girls Club expansion.  Mayor Williams says, this will be huge for the older kids.

AUDIO: They’ve grown so much that the space that used to be their teen area now has to encompass both middle and high school.  So then the older kids start thinking “oh, this is a kiddie space” and then they don’t come or want to come.  Having a space that’s specifically for teenagers only in our community, I think, is critical to our future growth and development.

Then there’s one-million dollars promised for municipal building improvements, as well as one-million dollars for Danville’s Riverfront project.

AUDIO: You may be aware that we are under design now for a comprehensive contract that’s looking how to connect the Riverfront to Ellsworth Park, and Ellswork Park to Kickapoo Rail Trail.  So a million dollars will go a long way.

Inside Views of Golden Nugget Casinos

For Vermilion Advantage’s Nicole Van Hyfte, who is about to become the Chamber Director upon Machelle Dykes’ retirement, there’s all kinds of things to look forward to along Lynch Road.

AUDIO: (It’s) really overwhelming in a really good way.  I mean it’s time to hit the ground running; so much development is possible by this casino coming.  So I’m just excited to see what happens moving forward and; let’s go!

Mayor Williams also talked about Wilmorite pledging 100-thousand dollars each year to the Danville Area United Way, 50-thousand annually to the Danville Police and Fire Departments, plus 50-thousand annually to Danville Area Community College, the Fischer Theatre, and Vermilion Advantage.  The mayor is now hoping for the following big three things:  a groundbreaking ceremony at the location on Eastgate Drive off Lynch Road next month, a casino ready to open for its trial run 11 months later, and then the casino receiving its permanent license.