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Pennsylvania Planning Commission Gives Go Signal to North Shore Casino's Master Plan
On May 26, 2007, the City Planning Commission of Pennsylvania voted to pass a master plan for the proposed slots casino located on North Shore. The approval, which is supported by Detroit based businessman Don Barden of PITG Gaming, happened despite criticism from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pirates and the Carnegie Science Center.
The 2 sports teams wanted a traffic study to be conducted before approving the master plan. The teams are concerned that the traffic would affect their fans, especially during the game days at Heinz Field and PNC Park.
The Carnegie Center's concern includes the safety of pedestrians, lighting and getting school buses on their property. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carnegie Science Center have threatened to file charges if the traffic study was not made.
Nonetheless, the approval of the Planning Commission came with conditions. One of the conditions is that the company should meet traffic requirements and the study should be completed by September 2007.
Dennis Da Pra, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of PNC Park, said that they are disappointed about the approval, but they are already discussing what their next move should be. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carnegie Science Center expressed concern.
Mark Hart, the Steelers Business Director, said that the approval was not good in many aspects. Carnegie Science Center Director, Joanna Haas, said that she does not oppose the gambling casino, but the approval of the master plan is the start of a risky foundation in the future.
The spokesman of PITG Gaming, Bob Oltmanns, said that their company has been talking with the Carnegie Science Center and offered a fairly complete proposal that responds to most of the Science Center's concerns.
Planning Commission Chairwoman, Wrenna Watson, said that the vote had to be made. She said that they should make the decision sooner or later.
Just last year, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board picked the Majestic Star Casino over 2 slots casino applicants for the lone gaming license in Pittsburgh.
The 2 losing applicants, the St. Louis based Isle of Capri and the Forest City Enterprises, appealed the ruling. The ruling is yet to be resolved by the state Supreme Court.
Barden commented that he will give a total of $7.5 million yearly for about 30 years for a new $290 million hockey arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Wednesday, June 20 , 2007
Victor Copeland