Public hearing to target Pa. slot license

staff report

HILLSVILLE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will have a public input hearing on the Valley View Downs application for a slot machine license at 9 a.m. May 15 at the Mahoning Township Community Center, 4538 W. State St. (U.S. Route 224).

The hearing is intended to give local and state government officials, community organizations and individuals an opportunity to have their comments be considered when the board decides which applicants to license.

Awarding of the slot machine operator license would allow operation of 3,000 slot machines at the proposed $420 million harness racing facility which would be located on 250 acres at U.S. Route 224 and Pa. Route 551 in Mahoning Township.

According to an impact statement submitted by Valley View Downs and posted on the gaming commission board’s Web site, the facility is estimated to generate 1,600 construction jobs and more than 1,500 permanent full-time jobs. It is expected to draw 14,000 visitors per day and bring more than 5 million visitors annually to the township.

The applicants say they intend to work closely with local officials to address the anticipated increase in the need for police and fire services.

Those who want to speak at the hearing must submit a registration form at least two business days before the hearing. Written comments can also be submitted ahead of time.

Forms for registration and comments are available at the township building or can be obtained online at www.pgcb.state.pa.us. Written comments also will be accepted for 60 days after each hearing and can be mailed to Pennsylvania Gaming Commission Board, Office of the Clerk, 1 Penn Center, Suite 502, 2601 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Pa. 17110.

The detailed impact statement and a diversity statement about the facility are available on the commission’s Web site listed above by clicking on the “licensure” link.

The reports are also available at the township offices next to the community center. A schematic of the track is also on display at the township building.