Lack of funds will delay opening

MEADVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- Amid opposition from residents, a financially troubled amusement park that is home to the country's sixth-oldest wooden roller coaster has scuttled plans for a county-backed loan that would allow it to open on time.
Officials with Conneaut Lake Park learned Monday that Crawford County officials likely would not approve a $150,000 loan that would allow the 110-year-old park to open in time.
County commissioners told Herb Brill, the park's court-appointed custodian, that they had received at least 50 phone calls from residents opposing the loan and would likely have to turn the park down.
Rather than waste time and effort trying to convince commissioners, Brill said he has backed off plans for the loan, potentially derailing the park's scheduled Memorial Day opening.
Brill has said the park, home to the Blue Streak, needs at least $200,000 to open on time.
Last year, the park lost money, mainly from excessive repair and maintenance costs that offset an increase in visitors to the park, Brill said.