CBS4 RTV4 WHBF Quad Cities, IL / IA News Weather SportsCity Council Approves Casino Move
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It has been the talk of the town for months: Whether or not the city of Davenport should approve a $43.1 million proposal by the Isle of Capri to expand its Rhythm City Casino along Davenport's riverfront. And, after two-and-a-half hours of discussion at Wednesday night's city council meeting, it all boiled down to one thing for some council members.
"I looked at the project revenue," said Alderman At-Large Jamie Howard, "and whether it is $300,000 or up to $1-million, it's still an increase in revenue."
The plan calls for a 181-room hotel and a 513 space parking ramp. Some say the more business for the area, the better.
"Any sort of economic shot in the arm would be great," said Chris Carr, a supporter of the expansion.
The plan also calls for the casino to move East along the riverfront which will open up about five acres of land.
"I hate to see it move because of this skyway that they've got," said Carl Muhlhausen who opposes the plan. "I though maybe that's why they built it, for the casino."
For it or against it, in ten years, the city says Quad Citians will see a side of the Davenport riverfront they've never seen.
"I see lots of greenspace," said one supporter, "kids from all walks of life - young and old - enjoying our riverfront."
The plan still needs to be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. If approved, construction could begin as early as this fall.
