Waiting game begins for operation of race track, casino

March 29, 2008 at 9:00p.m.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A harness-racing track and casino complex in Mahoning Township won’t be built until its developer gets a state gaming license, and that license might not be granted until fall.

Valley View Downs, which will be built on 250 acres bounded by U.S. Route 422, Baird Road and Pa. Route 551, is getting closer to winning local approval from the township for the development.

It will include a casino, dining areas and a sports club in a 273,000-square-foot building. The complex also includes a mile-long racetrack. The Mahoning Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the plan last week.

Township supervisors will consider the project next, and they have the final vote.

Centaur Gaming Inc. of Indianapolis is the developer. Centaur was granted a harness racing license in September, and it is also working on getting permits from the state and county for sewage discharge and wetlands remediation.

But the gaming license has been the subject of speculation: Why is it taking so long for the state gaming control board to issue this license?

Richard McGarvey, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesman, said the board will investigate the backgrounds of Centaur and its owners.

The board will do a financial check to ensure the company has the money for the $400 million project and will make sure company owners have no criminal ties, McGarvey said.

Board members will come to Mahoning Township for a public hearing at 9 a.m. May 15 at the community center on U.S. Route 224.

There also will be a hearing later this year, he said, so the developer can give additional testimony.

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