Grand Island residents share mixed feelings about new casino
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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Fonner Park unveiled its plans to build a new casino on Friday, and residents in the Tri-Cities already have some mixed feelings.
Some people are thrilled, while others feel indifferent.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Grand Island Resident Don Doremus.
“To each’s own but you know, pros and cons,” said Kearney Resident Larry Castillo.
When Fonner Park announced the news, officials revealed they would be partnering with Elite Casino Resorts to build the gambling paradise.
“This will be such a revenue generator for the state of Nebraska and of-course Hall County and the city of Grand Island,” said Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak.
The Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park will have more than 600 slot machines, 20 game tables and a hotel with more than a hundred rooms.
“Look at this, look at the upgrade we’re going to get, it’s going to be fantastic,” said Doremus.
Doremus has been living in Grand Island for more than 20 years and he believes it will be a great addition to the city.
“It’s going to create what 300 to 400 jobs, so sweet,” he told Local4 News.
Castillo on the other hand has some reservations.
“People are going to get addicted to the gambling part of it but it makes it more accessible to everybody here in Nebraska, it’s closer,” Castillo said.
Whether people are for or against gambling, Doremus said most of them want, “the property tax to go down if nothing else.”
