Tensions are escalating in Northwest Indiana as the Lake County Board of Commissioners prepares to decide whether Gary or Hobart will host a new multimillion-dollar convention center. This proposal has highlighted a regional divide, sparking public debate as officials from nearby cities, home to competing casinos, take distinct positions on the potential construction in Gary.
In Hammond, where the Horseshoe Casino operates, the Common Council recently passed a resolution opposing Gary’s bid for the convention center. The resolution emphasizes economic concerns, arguing that the center could unfairly subsidize one casino to the detriment of others, including the Horseshoe Hammond, and may not align with the best interests of taxpayers.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott has been vocal against the proposed location, pointing out that the Hard Rock Casino, Indiana’s most profitable, stands to benefit significantly from tax incentives to expand. McDermott expressed frustration over the financial implications for Lake County residents, questioning why they should fund the casino’s expansion when the city has already lost significant revenue.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton countered these claims, clarifying that the project would be financed through increased wagering tax revenue from the Hard Rock Casino, not local taxes. Melton referenced previous discussions with McDermott during his time in the state senate, highlighting potential benefits for Hammond through strategic development along key routes.
Melton also addressed criticisms about Gary’s impact on neighboring casinos, noting the emergence of new casinos in Chicago as a factor in revenue shifts. He emphasized Gary’s history of competing without external subsidies, despite being surrounded by other casino municipalities.
In East Chicago, perspectives are divided. The Common Council supports Gary’s proposal, citing potential regional economic benefits, while Mayor Anthony Copeland expressed concerns about the impact on East Chicago’s gaming industry, particularly AmeriStar Casino. Despite the mayor’s veto, the council overrode the decision, recognizing the broader benefits of collaboration.
The planned 145,000-square-foot convention center aims to enhance regional tourism and business opportunities. It will include extensive meeting and exhibition spaces, a Hard Rock Hotel, dining options, and retail facilities. While the final cost remains undisclosed, the center is designed to meet specifications from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority’s study.