Casino design hearing illegal, group says

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A nonprofit development group says a Pittsburgh Planning Commission hearing on casino design changes is illegal.

The Pittsburgh Riverlife Task Force says the Tuesday meeting should be postponed at least 21 days. That’s because developers haven’t submitted new exterior designs for the $450 million Majestic Star Casino and 12-story parking garage.

City planners balked at approving the plans unless decorative screening is installed on the garage, which is twice as tall as the casino. Planners say the development could mar the city’s skyline, and the Riverlife group says that impact can’t be gauged without design drawings.

City solicitor George Specter didn’t immediately comment on the request for a delay.