Kenosha residents and local officials are raising serious concerns over the proposed Menominee Hard Rock Hotel & Casino project, as promises made by the tribe remain unfulfilled and new doubts emerge about the viability of the venture. After years of assurances that federal approval was imminent, the Menominee Tribe has yet to deliver, leaving many in the community questioning whether this casino will ever materialize—or if it should at all.
A History of Missed Deadlines and Unmet Expectations
When the Menominee Tribe initially sought support from Kenosha’s Common Council and County Board, they painted an optimistic picture, claiming federal approval could be expected by early 2025. Yet, as deadlines continue to pass with little to no progress, Kenosha remains in the dark. The tribe, which once sought frequent engagement with local leaders, has gone silent.
In contrast, major corporations like Microsoft, Eli Lilly, Haribo, and Uline have all made substantial commitments to Kenosha, bringing real economic development without special government handouts. Their presence has boosted the region’s job market, tax revenue, and overall economic outlook, all without the uncertainty and controversy surrounding the casino.
A Questionable Economic Benefit
The Menominee Tribe has touted the economic benefits of the casino, promising over 1,000 permanent jobs and a boost in tourism. However, skeptics argue that these projections fail to account for market saturation. Casinos in Beloit, Rockford, Waukegan, and downtown Chicago already serve the region, making it unlikely that Kenosha’s casino would attract the 2.4 million visitors annually that the tribe claims.
Additionally, the casino’s tax-exempt status would prevent Kenosha from benefiting from property tax revenues—unlike the private sector investments made by Eli Lilly and Microsoft, which directly contribute to the local tax base.
Traffic, Crime, and Housing Concerns
Local residents, particularly in the Strawberry Creek neighborhood near the proposed site, have voiced strong opposition. Concerns range from increased traffic congestion at the already overburdened I-94 and Highway 50 interchange to heightened crime rates that often accompany casino developments.
Attorney J. Michael McTernan, who has been involved in several major developments in southeastern Wisconsin, emphasized the importance of prioritizing projects that add long-term value to Kenosha. “We should focus on developments that enhance our community rather than those that may detract from the progress we’ve made,” McTernan stated.
The Menominee Tribe Responds
The Menominee Tribe has defended its efforts, stating that significant progress has been made in the approval process. Chairman Joey Awonohopay emphasized that one of the major steps in obtaining federal approval is compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). “A detailed Environmental Assessment (EA) of the project was drafted at the direction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), revised over the summer and fall, and was delivered for final review in November 2024,” Awonohopay stated.
The chairman also pointed out that once the review is finalized, there will be a public comment period allowing the community to engage further with the project. “The EA has shown no negative impact, and we remain optimistic that this project will bring economic growth, jobs, and tourism to Kenosha.”
Local Leaders Demand Transparency
Kenosha County Board Supervisor Laura Belsky expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from the Menominee Tribe. “For over 20 years, we’ve been promised that this project will move forward, yet time and again, those promises have fallen short,” the supervisor said. “My constituents deserve better than vague commitments and delays.”
Steven Guion, President of the Strawberry Creek HOA, penned a letter to elected officials urging them to block the casino’s approval. “The Menominee Tribe made a lot of promises last year, and none of them have been kept. We need positive developments in Kenosha, not another failed betting facility like the Dairyland Dog Track.”
The Future of Kenosha’s Economic Landscape
As Kenosha continues to attract major businesses that create jobs and bolster the tax base, the casino proposal remains a contentious issue. With missed deadlines, unfulfilled commitments, and growing skepticism, many are questioning whether the Menominee’s Hard Rock Casino is worth the gamble.
Community members and local officials alike are demanding accountability, transparency, and a re-evaluation of whether a casino is truly in Kenosha’s best interests. Until real progress is made, the Menominee’s proposal remains just that—a promise without a future.
10 Responses
I think an argument can be made that the casino project actually retarded economic progress in Kenosha. So many people held out false hope for a project that never got off the ground while perhaps scaring off other endeavors. There are only so many gambling dollars to go around. And only so many people who can fill jobs in our area.
I remember when the dog track was going to be the answer and bring in all this revenue. It didn’t take long for the lawsuits, arrests, and closure to follow. We should focus on better developments than a casino.
Still waiting for the Kenosha Amtrak station the dog track promised.
I’m sure local leaders have been demanding more than explanations. 🤑💰
We don’t need or want a casino, we do want and need a referendum to truly get the public’s opinion, not have it showed down our throat like another streetcar where we kept being told how much we wanted it but they were always afraid to actually ask us.
I remember all the “no airport expansion” BS years ago. We lost Abbott Laboratories distribution center because of it and later the airport expanded anyway.
I hope they build it and it fails just like the rest of the broke country. Glorified dog track 2.
Hey Dennis,
Who left his children and this country?
Let it die already! No real gaming commission. Then again, lots of fish will be lining up to lose s.s checks. Sad.
No more Antman,Barca,or Wirch to push it through.Interesting.
Make it an outdoor shooting range.