Growth looms on both sides of the state line

COITSVILLE — A racino is going to spring up soon in Lawrence County, four miles from the Pennsylvania-Ohio state line.

The combination harness racing track and casino will be large — six acres under roof with 3,000 slot machines and restaurants, and a mile-long track.

The area, off routes 422 and 551, is sleepy right now.

But once ground is broken for Valley View Downs, on 250 acres near Baird Road in Mahoning Township, the complex could draw as many as 14,000 people a day.

That’s going to mean more traffic for U.S. Route 422 from downtown Youngstown, its East Side and through the rural areas — Coitsville into Pennsylvania.

What’s the potential for spinoff development?

On the Pennsylvania side of the state line, Lawrence County has been contemplating that question since Centaur Gaming Inc., the Indiana company that will develop Valley View Downs, was awarded its harness racing license by the state in September.

Jobs will be generated too — 1,500 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent full- and part-time positions are expected.

And, businesses in New Castle are anticipating the lure of the racino.

On the Ohio side of the state line, they want to be prepared as well. A group has formed there to make sure the Mahoning Valley can take advantage of the extra traffic the racino will generate on Route 422. The logical and shortest distance for people getting there from Ohio is Youngstown via Interstate 680 to Oak Street to Route 422, says Bill DeCicco, a spokesperson for the U.S. 422 Development Strategy Group.

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and vindy.com