Businesses near racino see slight gains in patrons

AUSTINTOWN — Rumors of a water park are flowing through the township, but business owners along the racino corridor on state Route 46 are focused on keeping their own operations ahead of the tide.

Most say the racino has provided business here and there but nothing jackpot-worthy.

“It is not a primary driver of rooms,” said David Kovass, president of Meander Hospitality Group that operates the Hampton Inn along Route 46.

He hopes and expects to break ground on his new, 87-room Hilton hotel on Interstate Boulevard within the next couple of months.

The racino, officially called Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, has been in operation six months.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com