The awarding of a casino license for Cape Giradeau by the Missouri Gaming Commission is welcome news to Peggy Rustige.
The president of the Riverview Drive Improvement Association said the commission's decision Thursday to award the license to Isle of Capri Corp. of Creve Coeur is great news for those looking to
"Yeah," Rustige said was her first reaction. "This area is one of the only open areas as you come into the city. It would have absolutely destroyed the area if the casino had gone there."
The commission met in Jefferson City to consider proposals from developers in St. Louis, Kansas City and Cape Girardeau, The last casino license of 13 allowed by state law became available when the President Casino in St. Louis closed earlier this year.
Isle of Capri prevailed with a $125 million casino proposal for Cape Girardeau.
The Koman family had sought a license to build a $132 million casino near the Chain of Rocks bridge.
Koman's proposal met resistance from several groups like Rustige's.
She described the Riverview Drive Improvement Association as homeowners interested in protecting the riverfront area at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers,
Another organization with members pleased that the Chain of Rocks area was not picked for a casino was the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, its leader said.
"Our first reaction was 'Woo-hoo!" Kathleen Logan Smith said. "We're very happy."
Logan Smith said her group, as well as numerous other religious, environmental and hunting associations, have banded together as the Save the Confluence Coalition to oppose floodplain casinos.
She said there is the possibility of another casino license going up for grabs in the future, so Save the Confluence members need to remain on guard.
"We can't rest assured the land near the confluence will be protected unless it is designated by the government as protected or as a limited use area," she said.
Rustige said she feels the same way, but wants to enjoy the moment after working so hard to lobby against the Chain of Rocks casino proposal.
"For now, we're real happy and real tired," she said.
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