Sumner County Commissioners chose three of the five proposed casino sites for endorsement today, with one in Wellington and two at Exit 33 in Mulvane.
Commissioners Jim Newell, Gary E. Martin and Eldon Gracy unanimously approved the endorsements and pre-development agreements for Lakes Entertainment at Exit 33 and Exit 19 and for Chisholm Creek Resorts. Prairie Sky’s casino proposals were not endorsed.
Martin said there were three reasons why Prairie Sky was not endorsed — no pre-development agreement, no agreement to build a hotel and “a lack of enthusiasm on their part.”
Hotels changed the name of the game, with Chisholm Creek Resorts and Lakes stepping up to build a hotel, or get a third-party hotel developer on site during Phase 1 of their proposals, Martin said. Prairie Sky chose not to, he said.
“They felt like Sky, not having the money to build a hotel and offering to give us a hotel was a lack of enthusiasm,” said Martin.
An agreement between the County and the developer was never brought before the commissioners, Martin said.
“There was never an agreement drawn up...the ball is in their court right now and we do not have a development agreement with them at this time,” said Martin.
Though Prairie Sky was not included for the endorsements, it doesn’t mean they couldn’t receive them at a later time. Developers have until the June 30 deadline to have their contracts approved by the state —with endorsement by a city or county a required element.
“There could be the possibility that anything could happen,” said Martin.
Chisholm Creek Resorts was chosen based on the advantages it would bring not only for the site, but for the county.
“They offered to build a hotel. They are in the process right now on getting a hotel built and the thing is they offered us some revenue sharing,” said Martin.
Both Lakes sites were endorsed, Martin says to protect the possibility of a Wellington casino.
“We endorsed them to protect Exit 19...it was part of a package deal,” said Martin.
The Exit 33 Lakes site was turned down by planning and zoning, though the commissioner says a decision will be made later as to whether the zoning should pass or not.
Though Mulvane sites were chosen, Martin said the commissioners still feel Wellington was is best pick for the county and the state.
“We still think that Exit 19 is the best economic impact there is in the County and I think there will be more money to be made there than anywhere else,” said Martin.
Developers have until June 30 to have their contracts approved by the state. The Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board has 60 days after that to choose the contract for the South Central Zone.
Wellington, Kan. —
