Results of a poll of Pennsylvania citizens is apparently causing heated exchanges between the Civil War Preservation Trust, against the proposal for a casino in Gettysburg, and licence applicant Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa LP. The poll, commissioned by the Civil War Preservation Trust, National Parks Conservation Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was conducted by telephone and consulted a randomly picked 625 voters who were asked if they supported or opposed a casino being built within one mile of the Gettysburg battlefield and whether they considered a casino would be ‘an embarrassment’ to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is expected to name the five successful applicants for the Category 2 licences available before Christmas. Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa is competing with 16 other applicants (9 of which are for the 2 Philadelphia and 1 Pittsburgh licences). Crossroads maintains that despite the poll showing that 64% of those consulted opposed a casino near Gettysburg that figure did not reflect the views of those in Adams County where the slot machine venue would be located.

The poll also showed that 53% considered such a casino would be an embarrassment. The licensing hearing for Crossroads is on 4 December and the PGCB is scheduled to hold its Board Meeting on Wednesday 20 December. The gaming regulators will be considering many factors before making a final selection and public support for the projects is one of them. Pro casino supporters in Adams County are wearing pins and using bumper and window stickers, as well as signing petitions. The Crossroads project would create an estimated 3,000 jobs in the community and provide a boost for the local economy.

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. (E-11.17.06)

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