The Village of Northfield faces increased redevelopment and zoning changes, including TIF district(s), planned Happ Road expansion, dense usage developments, and a recently proposed moratorium. As Village of Northfield residents previously opposed video gaming, we should also reject industry gaming facilities, casinos, and sportsbook venues, as they are larger, more intensive, and harder to reverse. The potential introduction of gambling establishments alters Northfield’s family-oriented character and requires prompt, proactive action.  

This is a petition for an ordinance to proactively prohibit the establishment and operation of industry gaming facilities, casinos, and physical sportsbook venues within the Village of Northfield. Currently, there is no proposal regarding gaming facilities in the Village of Northfield. Timing matters. Once a proposal arrives, the conversations surrounding industry gaming facilities, casinos, and sportsbook venues change. It becomes reactive, time-sensitive, and often influenced by outside interests and promised revenue.

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of the Village of Northfield, Illinois, respectfully petition the Village President and Board of Trustees to adopt an ordinance that prohibits (opts out of) the establishment and operation of industry gaming facilities, casinos, and physical sportsbook venues within the Village of Northfield.

This request is based on the Village’s authority under Illinois law, including but not limited to:

• The Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-60-2), which grants municipalities broad zoning and land use authority

• The Illinois Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10/), which requires local approval and compliance with municipal zoning for casino siting

• The State’s established framework allowing municipalities to regulate or prohibit gambling-related uses within their jurisdiction

Purpose and Rationale

We believe this ordinance is necessary to:

• Preserve the residential character and quality of life in Northfield

• Ensure consistency with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning framework

• Prevent the introduction of high-intensity, regional gambling uses that may generate increased traffic, extended operating hours, and secondary impacts

• Provide clarity and certainty to residents, businesses, and developers regarding permitted land uses

• Support proactive governance, rather than reactive decision-making under future development pressure

Industry gaming facilities, casinos, and sportsbook venues are fundamentally different from local-serving businesses and are not aligned with the scale and character of the Village of Northfield.

Scope of Request

This petition applies only to physical establishments within the Village of Northfield and does not seek to restrict or regulate:

• State-authorized online sports betting platforms

• Activities outside the jurisdiction of municipal zoning authority

Requested Action

We respectfully request that the Village Board of Trustees:

1. Place this matter on a future public meeting agenda

2. Review applicable legal authority and community planning documents

3. Adopt an ordinance formally prohibiting (opting out of) industry gaming facilities, casinos, and sportsbook venues within the Village

We further request that this matter be considered for placement on a public referendum ballot to allow residents to directly express their position on this issue.

We urge the Northfield Village Board to take decisive, proactive action now to preserve our community's integrity and future prosperity. 

Sign this petition to support a Village of Northfield that is free of industrial gaming facilities, casinos, and sportsbook venues, with a focus on residents' safety and well-being and ensuring that it continues to be the, "comfortable corner of the North Shore" for decades to come.