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Pittsburgh Casino Site Remains Elusive

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Mayor Tom Murphy doesn't want a slots casino Downtown. The Pirates and the Steelers don't want one on the North Shore. And City Council President Gene Ricciardi isn't all that thrilled about having one at Station Square.

"The license for a stand-alone slots casino in Pittsburgh won't be awarded for another two years, but already some powerful players are saying, in effect, 'Not in my back yard.'

"Of the three potential city sites mentioned so far as possibilities for a slots casino, at least two -- the North Shore and Station Square -- could face a fight. The other major site is at Mellon Arena, with the Penguins hoping to secure a slots license to help fund a new arena.

"Some residents near the proposed $500 million Palisades Park racetrack/residential/commercial development in Hays also have rallied against those plans, which at one time included a slots parlor as part of the thoroughbred track. The track is not eligible for a license under the state's new gambling law, but Beaver County developer Charles J. Betters still may pursue a license for a stand-alone casino.

"…In Pennsylvania, decisions on sites rest with the seven-member state gaming commission. But while city officials may comment on zoning matters before the board, the new law prevents them from enforcing their own local zoning and planning rules on matters like building design and traffic, the latter being a major concern of Murphy and Ricciardi.

"…State Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, has introduced amendments that would return control to local officials. He said they were the ones who rightly should have power over where casinos are placed.

"…Where the casino will end up in Pittsburgh is still a matter of great conjecture…"

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