Video bingo zoning causes Hammond split

HAMMOND -- Mayor Mayson Foster told the Hammond Chamber of Commerce on Thursday that he is opposed to video bingo because it takes money from those who can least afford it.

Foster's remarks came the day before the City Council is poised to decide whether to override his veto of a zoning change for a bowling alley that could open the way for the city's third video bingo parlor to open for business.

At issue before the council today is a zoning change that would move Tangi Lanes Bowling on Thomas Street to a less restrictive zoning classification that would permit video bingo games on its premises.

The council approved the change 4-1 on Feb. 6, but Foster vetoed the measure on Feb. 15. It takes at least four votes to override the mayor's veto.

The City Council is expected to vote on the issue during a special meeting set for 10 a.m. today at City Hall on Charles Street in Hammond.

Since the City Council first adopted an ordinance in 2005 authorizing video bingo inside the city limits, the issue has been a source of controversy periodically.

This time, the dispute involves questions on whether Councilman Jason Hood may vote on the zoning change because he was employed by one of the owners of a video bingo distributor that may or may not have a contract to supply machines to the bowling alley's proposed video bingo hall.

Hood has since resigned that job, citing constituent concerns, although he said that he does not think his votes on the zoning change were improper.

Foster spoke to the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday to discuss the city's goals for the year. His comments on video bingo came when questioned by members after his speech.

Foster also said he plans to put forth a new and separate zoning classification for video bingo. Currently, any business in a C-3 zone may offer the games.

Foster said the change he suggests would prevent City Council members from saying that their vote is about a zoning change and not about gambling. Some of the council members who voted for the Tangi Lanes zoning proposition said they did so not to support gambling, but to give the bowling alley its proper zoning classification.

The city also has a separate zoning category for so-called sexually oriented businesses. A person planning to open one of them, such as an adult toy store or a strip club, must seek this specific zoning category.

Video bingo is similar to video poker in that players put money in machines in the hopes of winning more. However, it is governed under different laws than video poker, enabling sponsoring charities to receive part of the profits.

Written by Debra Lemoine