More questions delay state vote on Austintown racino

More questions delay state vote on Austintown racino

COLUMBUS

The state racing commission again postponed a vote on a proposed Austintown racino, with members continuing to voice concerns about seating and other issues.

Commission Chairman Robert Schmitz said the panel will reconvene on March 27 for further discussions with Penn National Gaming on its track relocation application.

In response to earlier concerns, Penn officials did nearly double the number of indoor seats with views of the racetrack, going to more than 500 from about 200. But Steve Snyder, senior vice president of corporate development, cautioned that additional changes to the building could delay construction by at least six months.

Wednesday’s meeting near the Statehouse included comments from a Youngstown attorney and horse track enthusiast who wants more seating options at the racino and horsemen and jockey representatives who said proposed Austintown facility needs more stable space and other facilities comparable to what is in place at Penn’s existing Ohio tracks.