SEARCH NEWS:

 

Town Can No Control Over Casino Proposals

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by the Pennsylvania Evening Sun: "If you have a concern about a slots casino in Adams County, don't take it to Straban Township - go to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

"That's what township solicitor Walton Davis recommends after having read the state law about a local municipality's role in the decision-making process. He discussed the issue during a township meeting Monday evening.

"…Nick Hays, spokesman for the gaming control board, said: 'The board's decision to grant a license trumps local zoning.'

"…Chance Enterprises announced plans last week to build the Gettysburg Gaming Resort & Spa along Route 15 and Route 30. The resort calls for a 200-room hotel, spa and slot machines.

"A 60-day comment period is provided to the 'political subdivision' where the application is located - in this case, Adams County and Straban Township, according to the law formed by the state Legislature in 2004.

"Davis said he did not think the state's circumvention of municipal authority could be challenged, because there is precedent. He said there are other state institutions, such as mental hospitals, that could be built without the local municipality's approval…"

< Gaming News