Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion is progressing with full throttle and more development is on the way when it comes to satellite casino venues operating under a Category 4 gaming licensing. With the help of public hearing scheduled for this Thursday, 26th July, Springettsbury Township’s community is going to voice its general attitude towards a gaming venue being constructed in the area in the foreseeable future.
The Township’s administrative building is set to be the proud host of the anticipated gathering giving the general public the chance to have their voice heard. Everyone interested in sharing their thoughts regarding the potential new mini-casino venue in the municipality would have the opportunity this Thursday at 6 p.m. Another crucial topic which would be discussed and subjected to voting at the said meeting would be zoning regulations. As a result of them, the established Town Center Overlay framework would be reviewed, so that a potential location could be chosen.
York Galleria Mall could also be subjected to rezoning with the help of an amendment to such an ordinance. The overall mood throughout the region has witnessed a shift in the past several months ever since the beginning of this year brought the news that casino operator and developer Penn National Gaming might build its mini-casino venue in the region. The opportunity arose after the first mini-casino auction took place, which was when the casino operator proposed the winning bid amounting to some $50.1 million.
This was the largest amount of money remaining unsurpassed even after satellite casino licensing auctions came to a halt. Ever since that the casino operator has had the time to look around and pick a suitable site for construction within a 15-mile area around Yoe. It could be recalled that the county was first adamant that it wants nothing to do with the construction of a casino venue. Together with some 38 other municipalities located in the York County, Springettsbury Township announced its decision to opt out of the entire mini-casino situation.
Potential Construction Could Take Place in Township
Subsequently, this choice was changed, following a 4-1 vote of the local supervisors in support of a potential satellite casino. Among the reasons for doing so, the local authorities stated that the economic boost and the employment surge expected from the operation of such gaming facility surpasses the potential negative aspects often associated with gambling. In the meantime, Penn National is willing to explore Springettsbury’s field because of a couple of main roads passing through it, to the liking of Interstate 83 and Route 30.
This could bring more people to the satellite facility and generate more revenue for both the community and the developer., as access to the mini-casino venue would be facilitated. The casino developer willing to build a new satellite casino venue in the region has a total of four counties in consideration, Hellam Township being one of them. The proposed land lot in that region is near Wrightsville, but as it turns out the local community is strongly opposing gaming venue construction.
What concerns them is the fact that Mifflin House, a historically significant stone building from the 18th century and its Underground Railroad features are considered iconic for the region and unfortunately threatened by the potential mini-casino construction. Penn National confirmed that if it, in fact, opts for this Township, it would strive to preserve the signature farmhouse. Originally the ultimate date for decision announcing was 12th July, but as it turns out the deadline will be extended to 12th September.
In other news, the casino developer has officially decided to clear the air and drop the outstanding lawsuit filed in against Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. It could be recalled that back at the beginning of the mini-casino auctions the major developer filed a lawsuit against the regulator claiming that such licensing is going to harm the existing operation and gaming revenue generated by Hollywood Casino. The gaming venue is located at the Penn National Race Course, operating in Grantville Township.
However, there is a specific radius set around the major casino venues in operation which excludes satellite casino construction there, meaning that the main casino venue could not be harmed by Category 4 venues. Penn National stated that now that the lawsuit is behind its back, it is going to focus its attention and efforts on its ongoing operation.
The gaming field in Pennsylvania has dedicated the entire year to improvement and elevating its performance, with the ultimate goal to rake in more revenue in order to alleviate its tight budget situation. So far satellite venues construction has been going on relatively slowly, but things are looking up for the casino operators.
