The Cedar Rapids City Council has approved a development agreement for the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino, a $150 million project that could transform the city’s downtown if it secures a gaming license. This agreement formalizes the city’s partnership with the Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG), a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P23), pending approval of a gaming license by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on Feb. 6, 2025.
The casino will be located on city-owned land damaged in the 2008 flood and will feature a 110,000-square-foot facility with various amenities. Key conditions of the agreement include public meetings, council approval of the casino’s design, and a traffic study. The developer also commits to monthly payments to the city and allocating a portion of its revenues to local nonprofits.
Council members expressed mixed reactions toward the project, with some questioning its impact on downtown revitalization and design, while others emphasized economic development potential and community support. Construction is expected to start promptly if approved, with completion estimated within 24 months. The proposal has faced opposition from other Iowa casinos concerned about potential competition.
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