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After testimony pits neighbor against neighbor, proposed casino move to New Haven likely dead this session

Two women sit in a committee room, each with a sign in front of them that reads "No Casino! Save New Haven"
Brandon Smith
/
IPB News
New Haven, Indiana, residents — both for and against a casino locating there — traveled to the Statehouse on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 to testify in a Senate committee.

The proposed move of a casino from southeast to northeast Indiana is likely dead this legislative session after hours of testimony Wednesday that pitted neighbor against neighbor.

Rising Star Casino — in Rising Sun, Indiana — is the state’s lowest-performing gaming facility. It hopes to change its fortunes with a move north to New Haven, Indiana, population about 16,000.

Amanda Zimmerman, whose family has lived in New Haven for generations, said the casino is an opportunity that won’t come again — and one the city desperately needs.

“An anchor property like this can bring new, additional, supplemental businesses to New Haven, like hotels, restaurants, shops and the most requested community need: A second grocery store,” Zimmerman said.

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But Zimmerman’s next door neighbor, Dottie Reidy — herself a lifelong New Haven resident — said the casino would be less than five minutes away from schools her children attend.

“The casino so close to our school and neighborhoods raises serious concerns about — sorry — increased crime, traffic and potential for addictions, and could impact our families,” Reidy said.

Senate Public Policy Committee Chair Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) said that “the community spoke” and he doesn’t plan to allow a vote this session on SB 293, which would sanction the casino’s move.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith has covered the Statehouse for Indiana Public Broadcasting for more than a decade, spanning three governors and a dozen legislative sessions. He's also the host of Indiana Week in Review, a weekly political and policy discussion program seen and heard across the state. He previously worked at KBIA in Columbia, Missouri and WSPY in Plano, Illinois. His first job in radio was in another state capitol - Jefferson City, Missouri - as a reporter for three stations around the Show-Me State.