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Gaming-company meeting with officials is postponed
AUSTINTOWN
An expected presentation from Penn National Gaming Inc. representatives is postponed until noon Thursday, trustees said.
Trustee Chairman David Ditzler said Penn National was scheduled to present more information to trustees and residents Monday evening at the regular trustee meeting but had to cancel because of airplane problems.
“We are eagerly waiting to hear from Penn National. This will be an opportunity for us to hear exactly what is going to transpire and the time line,” Ditzler said.
Penn National recently spent more than $4.6 million to purchase the 186-acre property at Center Pointe Business Park, where it intends to build a thoroughbred racetrack.
Penn National’s presentation will be at township hall, 82 Ohltown Road, and is open to the public.
During their meeting, the board also reminded residents that as trustees, they do not have any power when it comes to Austintown schools. Two of the trustees, Lisa Oles and Jim Davis, expressed concern about the school district’s recent proposal to transport most private-school students who reside in Austintown using public transit.
“I personally do not agree with that decision. ... Safety should matter more than [finances],” Oles said.
Oles said she’s received calls from residents saying that school’s decision would cause them to vote against any levy, school or township.
“That’s like cutting off your nose to spite your face,” she said.
Davis said he’s encouraged residents who have contacted him to reach out to the Austintown school board, because even though the proposal came from the district administration, the board can “make the ultimate decision.”
Ditzler declined to comment on the situation except to say that he respects the board of education.
In other business:
Fire Chief Andy Frost Jr. informed the board that the department received an insurance payment of about $3,700 from a trucking company involved in a May 7 accident that leaked fuel and oil on Interstate 80, just past the state Route 11 ramp.
Zoning Inspector Darren Crivelli told trustees that his office issued a permit for Five Guys, and construction on the burger restaurant is under way at 107 S. Canfield-Niles Road.
Oles updated progress at the senior center, including the donation of an automatic door opener from the Lions Club and the recent purchase of a 15 passenger van paid for using funds generated by the senior levy.