Lawrence officials get look at plan for racetrack-casino

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Groundbreaking is getting closer for a harness racing track and casino complex that is expected to mean $15 million for Lawrence County.

Valley View Downs, a development by Centaur Gaming Inc. of Indianapolis, finished its review with the county planning department today.

Architects presented renderings of the site plan to the department at noon at Lanigan’s, a downtown restaurant.

The 250-acre site is at U.S. Route 422 between Baird Road and Pa. Route 551 in Mahoning Township.

Plans call for a 270,000-square-foot main building with three staggered walls of glass windows that front the mile-long track. Behind them will be the seating for patrons, said Steven Henkelman of Cope Linder Architects in Philadelphia, which drew the plans.

On the other side of the building is an elaborate entrance for patrons.

Future expansion at the complex could include a 300-room hotel, Henkelman said.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.