I am writing this letter of support for the proposed partnership between the Villages of East Hazel Crest & Homewood and Wind Creek Hospitality. My wife and I have been residents since 1999 and I have served on the Village of East Hazel Crest’s board since 2005 – we are vested in our community.

When compared to the other potential Southland casino sites that are being considered, our location is the most logical and ideal due to its proximity to both the I-80 corridor (and its 80 million vehicles of annual traffic) and the Illinois/Indiana state line. The economic stability and growth are very much needed in the Southland as many of our communities and residents are still struggling from the 2008-2009 housing market crash. The shared economic proposal between the multiple municipalities and welcomed job creation of this venture set the table for the resurgence of our Southland community.

The stable leadership of both Villages of East Hazel Crest (led by Village President Thomas A. Brown) & Homewood (led by Village President Richard Hofeld) lends itself to the creation of establishing a profound business and community-based relationship with the Wind Creek Hospitality team. During these incredibly challenging times of the COVID-19 global pandemic (both on the health of our residents and the current economic fallout), the East Hazel Crest/Homewood casino site can go a long way towards healing our Southland communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards,
Kevin D. Johnson
Village Trusee
Village of East Hazel Crest

This is a resident letter of recommendation to grant the Casino license to East Hazel Crest and Homewood, IL.

I fully support the East Hazel Crest/Homewood casino that hopefully will be located at 174th Street and Halsted Street. I am looking forward to the benefits that Wind Creek Hospitality has to offer and bring to our communities. The employment opportunities, dining, entertainment and tax revenue would be much needed and appreciated. I cannot express enough of how much this would mean to my neighbors and myself.

Sincerely,
Karen Santillan
Life-Long East Hazel Crest Resident

To Whom it May Concern:

As a fifteen-year resident, I am writing to express my support of locating the Wind Creek Hospitality Casino and Entertainment Destination at 174th Street and Halstead Street. I believe this is the perfect location with easy access. I believe people will be lured here with it being more convenient than traveling to Indiana Casinos. It will give job opportunities, entertainment, dining, and revenue in which would be greatly appreciated and needed. East Hazel Crest and Homewood are very strong, nice, and stable communities. I think this is a great decision for all parties involved.

Sincerely,
Joyce Kaczmarek

Dear Illinois Gaming Board,

Homewood Science Center’s mission is to inspire scientific wonder, learning and pursuit.
We work with students, families, and educators to increase STEM literacy and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, so all area students can gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce. Although Homewood Science Center’s primary sponsor is the Village of Homewood, our programs are available to all south suburban residents.

As you consider applicants for the south suburban casino license, I am reaching out to express support for the Wind Creek Hospitality application located in East Hazel Crest and Homewood. Wind Creek shares our belief in the importance of being a good neighbor. Homewood Science Center supports our neighboring communities by providing STEM program opportunities. Wind Creek supports communities surrounding their properties by awarding diverse contracts, sponsoring numerous philanthropic projects, providing jobs for local residents and more.

The south suburbs needs this project and Wind Creek Hospitality is the best operator. This project is more than about a casino, its about how the surrounding communities will benefit from it - jobs, new roads, charitable giving, shared tax revenue and ancillary development. I am confident the Wind Creek proposal will best ensure that the economic benefits from a casino are maximized to benefit the entire region.

Warm regards,
Edie Dobrez Executive Director

Dear State Gaming Board,

Please accept this letter in support of locating Wind Creek Hospitality Casino and Entertainment Destination in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

Homewood Disposal Service has been located in both East Hazel Crest and Homewood since 1956 and fully understand the benefits this location will bring to the I-80 and Halsted Avenue corridor. The benefits the Gaming Board need to consider with this location are numerous:

• Strong Local Government – Homewood Disposal has worked with the Villages of Homewood and East Hazel Crest and have consistently worked in partnership with our transfer station, recycling processing center and corporate offices
• Regional Benefit – Our experience with servicing the solid waste collection from area business affords proof of the much-needed economic stimulus the Wind Creek Casino will bring.
• Job Creation – The casino will bring much-needed jobs for the immediate geographic area.
• Location – Located close to Indiana and I-80 guarantees success in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.
• Logistics – Ingress and egress from I-80 and the Halsted Avenue Corridor.

As one of the largest privately owned solid waste collection and recycling processing companies in Illinois, Homewood Disposal Services strongly supports the Wind Creek Hospitality Casino and Entertainment Destination being located in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

Respectfully submitted,
Kyle Yonker
Vice President

Dear Illinois Gaming Board,

I am writing on behalf of HACIA to provide my support to Wind Creek Hospitality’s application for a casino license for a site in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

It is my belief that this is the best location to develop a casino. The site provides for easy access to the estimated 80 million people that pass through I-80 each year. Visitors that could help provide the region and our state some much needed revenue. Revenue that could be put back into the community.

Additionally, a casino of this magnitude means jobs. A lot of them. It is estimated that this proposal would create nearly 800 permanent jobs not to mention the local contractors and vendors that would be tapped to be a part of the build and ongoing operations.

I am also impressed with Wind Creek’s priority of being a good neighbor. It is not lost on me the impact that the Southland Public Benefit Fund could have on shaping the lives of our youth.

I appreciate your consideration of the Wind Creek Hospitality application for a casino license and am grateful for your time.

Jorge Perez
Executive Director, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association