By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Talks are heating up today as Davenport inches closer to bringing in a city–owned casino.
Later this morning, Davenport leaders will begin interviewing three possible developers.
"We would have anywhere from $10–25 million eventually coming into the city to be used to benefit the people of the community principally to lower property taxes," says Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba.
City leaders say their goal is to duplicate what Dubuque has with the Mystique Casino.
Options include revamping the current Radisson hotel into a hotel-casino, creating a whole new building taking up a block between Main Street and Brady Street.
The third option would have a casino downtown and a hotel-casino out by I-80 and I-280. Money made from the casino would primarily go toward lowering property taxes.
City leaders are keeping quiet about which option they prefer; but whatever ends up happening, they say it's all for the city.
"What will maximize the value of the gaming license and what's in the best financial interest for the people of Davenport," Gluba adds. "That's what it's all about"
The interviews are open to the public and will take place at 9 a.m. at River Music Experience 129 Main Street.
To view all three proposals, click here.
