The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) has announced a detailed timeline for evaluating a proposal for a commercial casino resort in Cedar Rapids. This follows the recent lifting of the state’s moratorium on new gaming licenses. Effective July 1, Iowa’s gaming regulators are now open to considering new casino projects. The Cedar Rapids Development Group, in partnership with Los Angeles-based Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), has expressed its intention to bid for a gaming license in Cedar Rapids, the state’s second most populous city.
Cedar Crossing Casino Project
The Cedar Rapids Development Group and P2E aim to develop a casino resort named Cedar Crossing on 25 acres of city-owned land. This land has been pledged for sale by Cedar Rapids government officials if the partnership secures a casino license.
Casino Proposal Timeline
During a special virtual meeting held on Friday, the IRGC adopted a timeline for the Cedar Crossing project. The developers have been given a deadline of September 16 to submit their application. The application must include a rendering and detailed project specifics.
The initial review of the Cedar Crossing application will take place during the IRGC’s meeting on October 3. In the following months, the commission will assess a market study to understand the potential impact of a Cedar Rapids casino on other gaming venues in Iowa. Interested market research firms have until August 15 to submit proposals to conduct this study, which must be completed by the end of the year.
The IRGC is scheduled to vote on the Cedar Crossing proposal on February 6, 2025. This marks the latest attempt by Cedar Rapids Development Group and P2E to secure a gaming license, following previous denials in 2014 and 2017 due to concerns about market saturation.
“Our commitment to building a world-class facility has never wavered,” said Kim Pang, P2E’s vice president of development. “We want to make sure that we put our best foot forward when we present our property to the Gaming Commission.”
Pang added that the 2024 presentation would closely resemble the casino proposals made in 2014 and 2017, emphasizing a renewed vision that promises a unique and high-quality product for Cedar Rapids.
Enhanced Charitable Contributions
In a bid to strengthen their proposal, the developers have pledged to contribute significantly more to charitable causes than the minimum required by Iowa law. While the state’s gaming act mandates that casinos allocate at least 3% of their annual gross gaming revenue to local nonprofits, P2E has committed to donating 8%.
The Cedar Rapids Development Group has a memorandum of understanding with the city that designates the group as Cedar Rapids’ exclusive gaming developer. This agreement stipulates a minimum investment of $150 million for any casino project, along with a minimum of 125,000 square feet dedicated to casino, restaurant, and event space. Additionally, the development must include a 1,500-space parking area.
Conclusion
As Cedar Rapids Development Group and P2E prepare to make their case once more, they are focused on demonstrating the benefits their project will bring to the community, including significant charitable contributions and a state-of-the-art entertainment facility. With a comprehensive plan and a clear timeline set by the IRGC, the fate of the Cedar Crossing casino project will be closely watched in the coming months.
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