Panel to oversee racetrack development

Commissioners will have an evening meeting next week.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County commissioners are moving forward with plans to form a committee to oversee development at the planned racetrack and casino in Mahoning Township.

Commissioner Dan Vogler named his choices for the group. Vogler says having this group of elected officials and agency representatives is meant to make the development go more smoothly. He noted the group will have no official powers.

The group will assist in the development of a one-mile harness racetrack along U.S. Route 422 in the township. An Indiana-based company, Centaur, was awarded Pennsylvania’s last harness racing license to build the facility on that location. Centaur also plans to apply for a state gaming license that will allow it to build a slots parlor on the site.

Vogler suggested forming the working group shortly after the harness license was awarded in an effort to assist the development.

Vogler’s choices for the group include the three county commissioners, elected officials from Mahoning, Pulaski and Union townships, representatives from Mohawk and Wilmington schools and leaders from various economic development and social service agencies in the county.

Vogler asked the other two commissioners to determine whether anyone else should be part of the group before it convenes.

There is no date set for when the committee will begin its meetings.

In other business, commissioners will have their monthly evening meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Mahoning Township Community Center on U.S. Route 224. Commissioners noted they had originally intended the meeting to include a Centaur representative who would talk about the new race track, but that person is unable to attend.

cioffi@vindy.com