Saturday, October 23, 2010
By MARY grzebieniak
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
Lawrence County commissioners are waiting to learn more about the company that successfully bid $5.6 million for the Valley View Downs “racino” project, but they are rooting for the company’s success in getting the stalled development up and running.
Valley View Downs’ parent company, Centaur LLC of Indianapolis, announced Friday that American Harness Track LLC was the successful bidder in a bankruptcy auction earlier this week.
There are several hurdles yet to be cleared, however, including final approval of the bid by the federal bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Del., and approval of the transfer of the harness- racing license by the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission.
“My fellow commissioners and I will continue to do all that we can to ensure that the racetrack and casino are constructed and operated here in Lawrence County,” Commissioner Daniel Vogler said.
Centaur officials said the bidder lists a Pittsburgh business address, and Charles A. Knoll is “managing member.”
The combination harness-racing track and casino, which would be near U.S. Route 422 and Pa. Route 551 in Mahoning Township, has been stalled for two years after Centaur lost financing for the project.
Valley View Downs and Centaur later declared bankruptcy. The harness- racing license awarded to Valley View Downs was the fourth and final of the Pennsylvania licenses which, by law, must be combined with a casino.
The racino would still have to obtain a gaming license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.