Politics & Government
City Council Says 'No' to Dotty's: What Do You Think?
A developer with Dotty's—a West Coast gaming chain looking to expand into the Chicago market—was turned down when he asked for a liquor license from the Joliet City Council.
New business and tax revenue? Or resident concerns over what might become of the neighborhood?
Members of the Joliet City Council had to weigh those issues when Dan Fischer, a developer with Dotty's, a nationwide video gaming chain, asked to be granted a liquor license during Tuesday's meeting in City Hall chambers. The request was intended to be the first step in Dotty's plan to open a 2,400-square-foot video gaming operation in a strip mall at 1524 Route 59.
(Note: A liquor license is required for a local business operator to apply for a gambling license from the state).
One man stood in front of the council to voice his objections. Others called members of the council to protest the potential development. And Fisher's request for a liquor license was turned down in a 6-2 vote.
My questions for you: What do you think of the council vote/decision? Is Joliet missing the boat on a chance to bring a growing brand (Dotty's operates in 150 locations on the West Coast) to town? Or do you side with the residents who live near where the video gaming operation would have made its home?
One council member said, "Joliet is a gaming city." And then he voted no the Dotty's liquor license request.
Leave your answers in the comments thread below.
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