Officials pleased Kasich signed new law

By Ashley Luthern | July 19, 2011 at 12:07a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Township and state officials say they are pleased the governor signed legislation making it easier for horse racetracks with video slot machines to relocate within Ohio, but they are still worried about development of another track in nearby Pennsylvania.

“Obviously we realize we’re in a race, so to speak, with two other potential tracks with the recent development in Pennsylvania, and we’re very concerned and we know we have to act fast,” said Trustee Chairman Jim Davis.

Gov. John Kasich signed four pieces of legislation Friday, including House Bill 277, which permits a horse-track racing permit holder that is eligible to become a video lottery sales agent to apply to the State Racing Commission to move its track to another location.

The legislation, co-sponsored by State Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry, D-59th, was prompted by proposals from Penn National Gaming Inc. to relocate two horse racetracks to other Ohio cities including moving Raceway Park in Toledo to the vacant 186-acre Centerpointe business park in Austintown.

A week ago, the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission approved the stock transfer application of American Harness Tracks LLC, which purchased the Valley View Downs racetrack/casino project located in Mahoning Township, Pa., from the bankrupt Centaur LLC of Indianapolis.

The horse-racing license is contingent on American Harness getting a Category 1 gaming license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, a process that could take a year, according to previous reports.

Back in Ohio, the new law does say that the racing commission will have the final say on whether to allow the moves from Penn National and other such companies.

Still, Mahoning Valley lawmakers are optimistic.

“I’m excited about it. It’s one major hurdle that we’ve been able to get over,” Gerberry said.

“...I’m hopeful, along with [state] Sen. [Joe] Schiavoni, that we can get this thing done.”

Davis said the township will benefit from the development as the company has said it plans to pay $400 million to relocate the tracks, creating about 2,000 construction jobs to complete the relocation and about 1,500 full-time positions at each site employed by the tracks or support businesses.

“It’s opened the door to consummate this project. I’m optimistic, but it’s not over yet,” said Trustee David Ditzler.