Racing commission on Tuesday has questions for Penn National

Racing commission on Tuesday has questions for Penn National

The Ohio Racing Commission has questions about seating and stable space for Penn National Gaming Inc.

The commission’s monthly meeting is Tuesday morning in Columbus, and an Austintown township trustee has been asked to speak about the effect of the new racino.

“My job as township trustee is to ensure the growth of the township,” said Trustee Jim Davis. “The last thing we want to do is let this slip through our fingers.”

Bob Tenenbaum, spokesperson in Columbus for Penn National, declined to comment on the meeting, but said the company was “prepared to address those questions.”

Tenenbaum said he did not anticipate any delays in the project as a result.

It’s not been determined whether the commission will vote on the permits Tuesday that would allow the racino to begin construction.

Davis was asked by Penn National representative Eric Schippers to speak at the meeting on “the importance of these economic development projects in your communities and the jobs that will be created and positive ripple effect on the other area businesses...” according to an email sent to Davis.

The commission will also be asking about issues involving the Hollywood Slots at Mahoning Valley race course, including a low number of seats compared to the Beulah Park race track outside of Columbus, from which Penn National is attempting to transfer the gaming license to Austintown.

There would be 395 seats available for patrons to watch the live racing on the new track. Davis said the commission is arguing that there would be too few seats, and is questioning whether a sufficient number of horse stalls will be available.

But with the racing season currently scheduled for October through May, Davis said it is arguable that more outdoor seating will be needed. From other racetracks he’s attended, the seats have never been filled to capacity.