Jackpot? Casino coming to North Shore

A Casino coming to the North Shore. A few years ago it was the "North Side" now it's the suave sounding "North Shore" and joining PNC Park and Hienz Field will be a shinny new Slots Casino.

The Pennsylvania gaming control board awarded PITG Gaming's Majestic Star Casino on the North Side the one stand-alone casino license for Pittsburgh. The board also selected two for Philadelphia.

PITG plans to build a slot machine parlor on the North Side near the Carnegie Science Center. The board rejected proposals from Isle of Capri, which wanted to build a parlor in the Hill District, and Forest City Enterprises, which set its sights on Station Square.

This story is devloping. As for plans for a new arena, this deal provides only $7.5 million a year for 30 years to support construction of a new arena for the Penguins.

The paln is for a $450 million facility between the Carnegie Science Center and the West End Bridge. Plans call for the 400,000 square-foot casino to house a cylindrical glass atrium, four restaurants, three lounges, bars, shops and, of course, rows and rows of slot machines. Construction should take 14 months, meaning it will be open by spring 2008.

4 comments:

The Unseen One said...

Great! Another economic short circuit that will send even MORE money out of the city!

Mark Rauterkus said...

I'm happy with the decision. It is the softest kick in the teeth among the three. It hurts other property owners the least.

So, if you had to do one, it is the best of the worst.

Anonymous said...

I feel that the chosen casino spot is the best one out of the 3, I wasn't in favor of a casino anywhere, but like someone said before, its the best of the worst.

Shaun Pierce said...

I have to disagree. I really thought station square would have been the spot. Where are all these people going to park?

This puts the Mellon Arena all by itslef with nothing really to draw people to that area. I predict the Pens leave town and I would not blame them.

You know this casino will expand and I have a feeling some low income people will be forced out.

There is still not much to draw folks downtown. They will all be cramed into one small space. We shall see.