Yesterday’s announcement that the Gettysburg Borough Council had voted in favour of the proposed slots parlour in Straban Township brought a mixed reaction from local residents. Those who see the gaming operation as bringing jobs and economic progress to the historic town were jubilant, those who think that gambling is inappropriate in such a setting were dismayed. Both sides will have the opportunity to speak at the three scheduled Gettysburg Public Input Hearings arranged by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the first of which takes place on Friday 7 April.

Chance Enterprises, Inc., trading as Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa, has applied for a Category 2 licence for Gettysburg. The proposed 42-acre site is designed to be a resort, 225-room hotel and spa with slots parlour. The company points out that there are no comparable spa facilities in the county and that the four restaurants, including fine dining, will provide residents and tourists with more choice. Crossroads intends that the project will not emphasise the history of the region or the Civil War but be designed as a 4-star resort and entertainment venue with low rise structures having no visibility or impact on the national park or other historic sites.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Act allocates 4% of slots revenue to the municipality and county where a slots licence is granted. Gettysburg borough will receive US$1 million annually if Crossroads is successful in its licence application, the amount being guaranteed by the company in the case that the 4% of slots revenue falls short. In voting to support the project, Gettysburgh Borough Council maintained that the money would assist them to improve policing levels and services to cope with an influx of tourists as well as allow a potential reduction in property taxes. (E-04.04.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage