Pa. agency approves plan to move forward Valley View Downs racino in Lawrence Co.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The development of the former Valley View Downs casino/harness racing track has overcome a major hurdle.

The Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission today approved the stock transfer application of American Harness Tracks LLC, which purchased the Valley View Downs racetrack/casino project from the bankrupt Centaur LLC of Indianapolis.

“Now we are literally in a horse race with the state of Ohio,” commented Lawrence County Commissioner Richard DeBlasio, referring to plans by Penn National Gaming Inc. to relocate a horse-racing gaming license to Austintown, where they would like to build a $200 million facility.

The news came to county commissioners by speaker phone from Lawrence Commissioner Dan Vogler after he attended the harness racing commission’s meeting in Harrisburg.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com