43
Concern expressed about casino plans
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
Proponents of a harness- racing track and casino in Mahoning Township are “very concerned” about recently announced plans to build a racetrack in Mahoning County. But Lawrence County Commissioner Dan Vogler said Tuesday, “The local officials in Ohio ought to be concerned because we have a head start on this.”
Penn National Gaming Inc. has announced that it plans to relocate a racetrack from Toledo to Austintown but say the move is contingent on authorization of video- lottery terminals in Ohio.
Vogler explained that while Pennsylvania already has laws in place governing table games, and the Valley View Downs project has a site and a harness-racing license, the Ohio project requires “significant changes in state law” before it can come to fruition.
Commissioner Richard DeBlasio remarked, however, that the Lawrence County project has the legislation in place and struggles with financing while the planned Ohio racetrack seems to have the financing but faces legislative issues.
DeBlasio has been in touch with Joe Canfora of Merit Management Group LP, of Chicago, which is negotiating with American Harness Tracks LLC of Pittsburgh to partner on the Valley View Downs project. DeBlasio, who knew Canfora when he lived in his native New Castle, said Tuesday, “I told Joe, you gentlemen have to get moving. And he agreed.” DeBlasio said that commissioners are not privy to the negotiations, but said he was encouraged when Canfora told him that negotiations on partnering with American Harness Tracks are progressing.
Vogler reported that the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission meets Feb. 24. No agenda has been announced yet. However, before it can move forward, the local project needs the commission to transfer the license from Indianapolis- based Centaur to the new owner, American Harness Tracks, which successfully bid for the racetrack project in Centaur’s recent bankruptcy sale. He also commented that two new members have been named to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board which must decide whether the project will be awarded a gaming license.
Also Tuesday, commissioners opened bids for erection of a 270-foot communications tower at Pa. Routes 388 and 108 in Hickory Township. Officials said the tower will improve emergency communication with the Ellwood City and Perry Township areas. Bidders were: Shaw Rose, Coraopolis, $477,000 with an $11,500 option for a parking area; Jacob Telecommunications, New Castle, $531,935; and J.G. Contracting Co., Carnegie, $319,764. The bids were held for review by the controller and the Emergency 911 office.
Commissioners also observed a moment of silence for Chuck Tanner, former Pittsburgh Pirates manager, who died last week. Craig said Tanner, of New Castle, was “the face of this community to the wider world.” Vogler said Tanner was always a role model in an era when many sports figures were involved in scandals.