(FREMONT) - A specific property is now being publicly identified as a potential location for a future casino-resort in Steuben County as voters prepare to decide the issue in November.
Angola Realtor Mark Hansbarger announced Thursday that a 186-acre property on Walters Lake near Fremont has been placed under an assignable option agreement and opened for evaluation by national resort and casino operators.
Location Details
Hansbarger said the property:
- Sits about one-half mile from the Michigan state line.
- Is less than two miles from the Indiana Toll Road.
- Includes more than 3,400 feet of lake frontage on Walters Lake.
- Has no lake neighbor within 3,000 feet.
- Could accommodate a resort footprint more than 1,000 feet from Van Guilder Road.
Why The Site Is Being Discussed Now
During an interview with WLKI News, Hansbarger said the option process began more than two months ago.
He said the assignable option agreement gives potential operators a site they can evaluate and begin planning around should Steuben County voters approve casino relocation in November.
Hansbarger said the timing is important because operators face a relatively short window between the November referendum and state application deadlines. He said that makes it necessary for potential developers to begin evaluating locations and preparing concepts before voters cast their ballots.
Why Walters Lake?
Hansbarger said he examined numerous potential locations throughout Steuben County before identifying the Walters Lake property as the strongest candidate for a destination-style resort development.
Among the factors he cited were the property's size, proximity to major transportation routes and distance from neighboring lake homes.
Ownership And Status
According to Hansbarger, the property remains listed for sale and is owned by a local property owner.
He declined to identify who controls the assignable option agreement, citing ongoing negotiations.
What Happens Next?
Hansbarger emphasized that no casino project has been approved and that Steuben County voters will ultimately decide the issue in November.
Any proposed development would still be subject to Indiana's state approval process.