Beaver track makes its case

Valley View Downs will create an estimated 1,000 full-time jobs.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. -- Judy Enslen remembers the days when the Stitt farm off Pa. Route 51 was a working, viable farm.
Now when she passes it, only the old barn with the gaping hole in the roof is visible. She's hoping that will change.
"I look at that barn and I see a vision for Beaver County," said Enslen, who is also the county's elected clerk of courts. "We have been at a loss for so many years because of the downfall of the mills. This is a new beginning."
Enslen was giving public comment to the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission Thursday for Valley View Downs, a proposed 220-acre harness track/casino and entertainment complex vying for the state's last harness racing license, seeking to locate on the Stitt farm.
Valley View Downs is the chief competitor for Bedford Downs, the proposed racetrack/casino and entertainment complex on U.S. Route 422 in Lawrence County. Bedford had its public comment meeting before the commission on Wednesday.
The proposal
Jeff Smith, chief executive officer for Centaur Inc., project developer, outlined the project through a presentation for the commission and about 200 people in the audience at the Holiday Inn in Beaver Falls.
Smith contends the track/casino will create an estimated 1,000 full-time jobs and more as expansion occurs.
The proposed clubhouse and entertainment facility will be 300,000 square feet with restaurants, lounges, concession stands, an outdoor terrace, tiered viewing area and a "tele-theater" to view simulcast races from other venues. A hotel and conference center, along with retail shops, will be added later.
The 5/8-mile track will be bounded by eight barns with stalls for 712 horses, a paddock with 100 additional stalls and dormitory facilities for 160 horsemen.
Supporters
A host of elected officials and union leaders spoke in support of the project, touting its economic impact on Beaver County.
"It will make Beaver County a true travel destination. The county is now primarily an attraction to people visiting friends and relatives," said Tom King, director of Beaver County's tourism and recreation departments.
A large contingent of organized labor union members were present to show their support. Centaur officials have promised to use all labor unions during construction.
The harness racing commission has two additional public comment hearings before moving to a second round of meetings where applicants will be able to question each other about their projects.
Philadelphia Pacers and Trotters, which wants to build a racetrack in the former naval yard in Philadelphia, will have its meeting Tuesday.
Vorum's Stables, which proposes to build a track in Washington, Pa., will be on Oct. 20 at the Southpointe complex south of Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia and Vorum's would not be eligible for a slots license under the new state gaming law because of their proximity to existing racetracks.
The second round of hearings begins Oct. 25 in Harrisburg with Bedford Downs again going first.
cioffi@vindy.com