Lots of interest at open house for casino plan

NEWS — Judging by the turnout at the first of four open houses scheduled for today and Tuesday, there’s no lack of interest in Gateway Casinos & Entertainment’s plan to move its casino into the former Rona building in Aberdeen.

About 60 people milled about this afternoon looking at artists’ drawings and floor plans and listening to Gateway staff explain the proposal, which is the subject of a rezoning application.

Gateway CEO Tony Santo said response so far has been positive, though he acknowledged a few concerns have been expressed about the idea of building a 500-seat outdoor amphitheatre for entertainment events.

But, he said, if community feedback is negative to the outdoor venue, “then we won’t do it,” and the plans would be redrawn without it.

Jeremy Pokomy of Gateway was one of several staff members showing people around and answering questions. He said the plan for the amphitheatre includes a sound-barrier wall on the north side to deaden noise from concerts as well as traffic coming from the highway.

“”We’re not looking at bringing in rock concerts or anything like that,” he said.

“I think it’s ideal,” commented one resident, seeming to reflect a lot of the reaction to the overall proposal, which includes restaurants as well as the casino space in the 50,000-sq.-ft. plan.

If the City approves the rezoning for casino use, the current casino in Hotel 540 would move to the new site and be renamed Cascades Casino. The $34-million project would open next year.

A second open house runs tonight from 7 to 9 p.m., with two more Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.