Illinois Judge Won’t Block Danville Casino

A Coles County, Illinois judge rejected Mervis Industries’ request that construction cease at the neighboring Gold Nugget Danville Casino, which began in April. He ruled Mervis “has failed to show that it will suffer irreparable harm.”

Illinois 5th Circuit Court Judge Mark Bovard recently denied Mervis Industries’ request for a temporary restraining order against the planned Gold Nugget Danville Casino.

Mervis’ property is next to the casino acreage. Bovard ruled Mervis “has failed to show that it will suffer irreparable harm if the TRO is not entered at this time.”

Construction on the $100 million project began in April, following unanimous approval from the Illinois Gaming Board on March 12.

Attorney Austin Zimmer, representing the city of Danville, stated, “Had Mervis been successful in its quest to revoke building permits and prevent the city of Danville from issuing new permits, it would have stalled construction of the project. The court found our arguments, that Mervis could show no harm to its property, persuasive and denied the temporary restraining order.”

Zimmer noted, “The city of Danville followed its established zoning review and approval process when it approved the zoning for the Gold Nugget Danville Casino. We are convinced that the court will find that the necessary and proper actions were taken by the city.”

The casino is expected to open in spring 2023 and create 300 full-time jobs.