Central City Gaming up, others down

Clara Aucoin
GCN Senior Reporter

  Proponents say the newly constructed Central City Parkway that has been in operation for just one month is the reason the smallest gaming city’s revenues are up 18 percent over last year at this time. Others say that is not necessarily the case. Regardless of the stand on that subject, the remaining gaming numbers for November were just terrible.

  According to figures released by the Division of Gaming, Adjusted Gross Proceeds (AGP) was down over 15% from October and down three and one-third percent from November 2003. The bad numbers closely parallel the largest market, Black Hawk, which is responsible for the lion’s share of the gaming income. That city is down nearly 14 per cent from October and three and three-quarters per cent from November 2003. Worse, Cripple Creek is down more. Central City broke even with last month and is up 18. percent from November 2003.

  Still, according to the numbers, the tax collections have not suffered much and are still comfortably ahead of last year. At this point, tax collections are at $25.866 million as opposed to last year at this time with $25.156 million. Central City has increased to $2.1 million over last year’s $1.9 million. 

  Meanwhile the Central City Parkway has been open since November 12. The road is hoped to bring financial relief and economic recovery to the rapidly declining revenue stricken City of Central. However, folks in town say they don’t see much of a difference.

  While on the road, traffic is fairly consistent. However, if one follows those vehicles when they turn left onto Nevada Street and wind their way through the still in construction round about, dodging other cars and construction, what is glaring missing is a parking garage. For that reason, most of those cars, if they cannot negotiate one of the few parking sites on Main Street, just continue down the hill. They may stop at Fortune Valley or they may continue to Black Hawk. With construction of parking garages at least a year out, other plans may be needed to keep the traffic in Central.

  Two new casinos have been announced for January. One, Scarlett’s, is in the old Bullwhacker’s building at the intersection that that infamous traffic circle, Main Street, Nevada Street and Spring Street. The other will be the famous Teller House which will reopen as a casino. In addition, a third project, the Toll Gate is said to be in the process.

  Meanwhile, Main Street in Central does seem revitalized. With more businesses since last year, a Sweet Shoppe staying open during the winter, holiday shopping at the Main Street Central Shoppes and other antique stores in the area, there is certainly increased traffic. Election celebrations brought in business during November, as well as a few special events that kept folks coming to Central for reasons other than gambling. A Tommy Knocker festival added to the enticement during early December, and that could be part of the reason the casinos reflected an increase in traffic.

  The Parkway itself has been used frequently, especially by locals. It dramatically cuts down drive time to I-70, Bergen Park, Idaho Springs and points west.

  Although the weather has generally been good, there have been a few snowy nights and those nights resulted in accident alert and closing of the Parkway. While open, however, it has been remarkably safe.

  According to emergency response numbers, the Ambulance Service has responded to three accidents on the Parkway, all three of them in the vicinity of mile marker 7. There were no serious injuries, although at least one of the accidents was a roll over.

  Larry Wallerich and Central City are working to keep the road clear and plowed and they are doing it without the controversial magnesium chloride. Wallerich has said the City does not intend to use the stuff, and it will continue to use sand.