By Michael Gonzalez, Post-Tribune correspondent
EAST CHICAGO -- Officials from a local casino revealed Saturday how a closed Cline Avenue extension has hurt.
But they also said area casinos remain accessible and open for business.
Jason Gregorec, vice president of table games and marine for Majestic Star, told a delegation of local state legislators at a public forum the two gaming boats saw an 18 percent decline in business revenues, which added up to a $15 million decline in net revenue, with the rerouting.
About 150 people attended the Saturday meeting at East Chicago's high school.
The downward spiral that began with the rerouting in November meant a loss of $8 million to $10 million in taxes paid to local communities compared to the same period in 2008, Gregorec said.
Majestic Star also laid off 40 employees, eliminating $1.3 million in payroll, he said.
"As of November, the value of the casino went down $90 million," Gregorec told the legislators. "What other project will have a direct impact of $100 million in the state?"
The closure also has affected Ameristar Casino in East Chicago, though to a lesser extent, said Pete Savage, senior vice president and general manager.
He called December revenues flat, with Ameristar taking in $21.4 million compared to $21.8 million in December 2008.