Hard Rock signed on as Kenosha casino developer



KENOSHA (WITI) -- Hard Rock International – owner of one of the world’s most iconic and recognized brands – announced Thursday, October 9th its alliance with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to develop, brand and manage their proposed regional entertainment destination located in Kenosha.

The proposed project would be developed in conjunction with the Osceola Group out of Naples, Fla., and designed to draw visitors from throughout the region.

It would be a multi-million dollar gaming, hotel and entertainment facility that would be financed, designed and run by Hard Rock International, with the partnership of the Menominee Indian Tribe.

"They've done the right thing. They've stepped forward and said this will help this community. This will help the Menominee people," Jim Allen with Hard Rock International said.

The Seminole Tribe, which is behind the Hard Rock company, plans to not only work with the Menominee Tribe on the Kenosha project, but the CEO of Hard Rock International says there are efforts behind the scenes to work with the Wisconsin tribes opposing the project.

"We know it's important to work with the local tribes, specifically Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Oneida to make sure they understand the project and to understand our goal here is not take their business and create hardship for that particular tribe. Our goal here is to create something where everyone can grow together," Allen said.

No one is saying whether that includes a proposal for some type of revenue sharing, but for Kenosha and the state, the promises are many.

The project is expected to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in addition to generating significant economic benefits for the state of Wisconsin, including an estimated $600 million total in projected payments to the state over the course of the pre-approved compact with the state.

Brian Nemoir represents a group called "Enough is Enough." The group consists of those opposed to the casino.

"We've got 24 casinos in Wisconsin. They're operated by a handful of different tribes. I think the proliferation of gaming in Wisconsin has got to come to an end," Nemoir said.

Some in Kenosha agree.

"I live close -- a few blocks away and none of my neighbors want to see this happen. We are concerned about crime and different types of negative activity," a neighbor told FOX6 News.

Meanwhile, Allen, the Chairman of Hard Rock International says this:

"Hard Rock International is thrilled to collaborate with the Menominee Tribe to create a true regional entertainment destination, which will become an important economic engine for the Menominee and Wisconsin. We look forward to lending our global recognition, strong financial capabilities and proven experience to this project."

The key for moving this project forward is Gov. Scott Walker's approval. He has said in the past he would like to see all of Wisconsin's tribes agree on the plan first.