ANGOLA, IN (WTVB)- With less than a month remaining before voters head to the polls, the Steuben County Board of Commissioners, alongside local tourism and economic development leaders, hosted a public question-and-answer forum Thursday, to clarify details regarding a proposed resort-style casino.
The educational meeting aimed to address community questions and clear up misconceptions ahead of the November 3 general election, where residents will face a binding public referendum. County leaders pushed for transparency, noting that while pro-casino advocates project the development could generate up to 1,200 jobs and boost off-season tourism, county officials clarified that no ordinances would be passed prior to the vote and that any future developer would be entirely responsible for utility expansions, traffic studies, and local zoning adherence.
Steuben County Commission President Will Howard says the number of potential jobs a casino would provide is a good thing ‘
The forum drew passionate residents who voiced mixed reactions regarding the potential project. Supporters, echoing the sentiment of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, emphasized the opportunity to stabilize seasonal economic fluctuations and draw out-of-state revenue to northeast Indiana. Meanwhile, opponents raised stark concerns regarding predatory gambling habits, increased traffic infrastructure strains, and the lack of a confirmed layout or location.
In a closing statement to quell rumors, commissioners emphasized that none of them had engaged with casino operators or signed non-disclosure agreements.
If approved by voters, Steuben County would compete with neighboring Allen and Dekalb Counties for a single inland casino license under state authorization, all three counties will have the same referendum on takes months ballot.
The only proposed Steuben County site is near Walters Lake, around two miles from the Michigan State line.
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