Residents near future casino site offer mixed viewpoints

Now that the developer of Ford County's resort-style casino has been chosen, people who live near the site are hoping it will boost tourism with a minimum of problems.
    Margaret Butcher, who lives about one-quarter mile due north of the site, said she is concerned about the casino's possible effect on property values, lights at the complex and traffic.
    On the other hand, Butcher said she hopes the complex will benefit the local economy.
    "I'm hoping that it's a good thing for Dodge City, but if it isn't, I don't know what will happen," she said in a phone interview Thursday.
    Butcher said she is trying to look on the positive side of the development.
    The Olathe-based Butler National Corp. has won the contract to build and manage Ford County's resort-style casino complex, which will include a hotel, restaurants and other amenities. The $87.5 million complex, which will be divided into two phases, would be located on the western outskirts of town near U.S. Highway 50.
    Before it can begin construction, the company must undergo a thorough background check and win approval from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission by the state's deadline in early December.
    Butler President Clark Stewart told the Globe last week that the first phase would likely be completed within a year after construction begins, and the second phase would be finished by early 2011.
    As part of the project, the company has proposed extending Comanche Street so it would lead directly into the complex. Comanche would then intersect with U.S. 50, with a stoplight at the intersection.
    A 1,050-foot buffer zone will be created on the north end of the complex, and lights would not be visible from the north.
    Butler President Clark Stewart said Friday that the company's plans to address traffic and lighting issues are the same as when the company first sought a special use permit for the complex.
    "We haven't changed our plans, so I think we're OK," he said.
    Boot Hill Gaming President Jeff Thorpe, whose organization has formed a partnership with Butler on the project, said the lighting and noise will not be problems.
    "I think the casino intends to, and already has by its design, be a very good neighbor to the residences that are out there," he said. "That's why it was important to talk to them, show them what we were going to do and build the residential buffer in the north end, anyway."
    Thorpe said the volume of traffic in and out of the complex would be only a fraction of the traffic that already travels along U.S. 50.
    People who live near the site of the proposed casino had mixed feelings, however. Some said they weren't worried about its potential impact on their neighborhood, while others said they had some concerns but would wait to see how the project develops.
    Martin Schaller, who lives within half a mile of the site, said he supported Butler's proposal on the grounds that it would boost the economy.
    "They've been working at it a long time, and I think it will be good for the community," he said.
    Schaller said he was not worried about traffic at the complex or its potential effect on property values.
    John Arntt, whose home is just north of the site, also said he has no concerns about it. He added that he believes the complex will help the community's economic development and tourism.
    "We've needed something for a long time," he said. "I think we're getting something. Like I say, I'm not a gambler, but we've got to start somewhere."
    Jana Ross, whose family lives within five miles of the site, said she had some concerns about casino-related traffic, but she was reserving judgment until the complex opens.

Reach Eric Swanson at (620) 408-9917 or e-mail him at eric.swanson@dodgeglobe.com.