SPANISH LAKE, MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
Could the clank of coins and rattle of a roulette wheel fill the air in Spanish Lake? A casino plan is before the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Commission and so is a lot of opposition. Right now the casino is simply an idea but there were plenty of people in Monday night's meeting that think it is a bad one. But will the Planning and Zoning Commission and County Council agree?
Several North County residents think this swath of land is doing just fine as a migratory rest stop for birds and agricultural expanse. They do not want to see a casino complex. While still in earliest stages, those in opposition say there are enough casinos in the area. The developer argues there is a need for more jobs, taxes, and entertainment.
The plan and the opposition at this point are a bit based on speculation. When voters passed Prop A last November not only did they eliminate loss limits they also capped the number of Missouri casino licenses at 13. The new Lemay casino takes the thirteenth license. So on the exterior this would look like a deal that couldn't even get done. But with the President Casino's days numbered unless Pinnacle builds a casino to replace the Admiral riverboat, that license would be up for grabs in two years. That would mean this argument is worth making for developer and detractors alike.
Several North County residents think this swath of land is doing just fine as a migratory rest stop for birds and agricultural expanse. They do not want to see a casino complex. While still in earliest stages, those in opposition say there are enough casinos in the area. The developer argues there is a need for more jobs, taxes, and entertainment.
The plan and the opposition at this point are a bit based on speculation. When voters passed Prop A last November not only did they eliminate loss limits they also capped the number of Missouri casino licenses at 13. The new Lemay casino takes the thirteenth license. So on the exterior this would look like a deal that couldn't even get done. But with the President Casino's days numbered unless Pinnacle builds a casino to replace the Admiral riverboat, that license would be up for grabs in two years. That would mean this argument is worth making for developer and detractors alike.
