Racing commission to continue talks on racino design

COLUMBUS - The state racing commission has agreed to continue discussions with Penn National Gaming about the design of a proposed Austintown racino, an indication that members could be softening their stance on an earlier-announce requirement that the company add more than 600 indoor seats with track views to the project.

Ohio State Racing Commission Chairman Robert Schmitz said Tuesday that the meeting could take place within a week to 10 days.

The decision came after another presentation by Penn officials about the Hollywood Slots at the Mahoning Valley Racecourse, during which the company confirmed that it had ceased construction activities at the Austintown site and presented seating options in place at comparable racetracks outside of Ohio.

Company officials also hinted that the Austintown project could be in jeopardy if racing commission officials push a seating expansion that would require a restart in the facility's design.

This is a breaking news story. Watch Vindy.com and see Wednesday's Vindicator for details.