Gettysburg casino provokes opposition

Gettysburg’s borough council voted to support a proposed slot-machine gambling parlour near the historic US Civil War battlefield in exchange for a US$1 million-per-year revenue guarantee.

The prospect of a casino just outside town and near Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsyslvania has drawn a firestorm of opposition from preservationists and some area residents.

As a result of the 7-3 vote, the council’s president will testify in favour of the proposed casino today at a public hearing. That hearing in Gettysburg will be the first of 18 days of testimony that gambling regulators will hold around the state on nearly two dozen casino proposals.

Casino opponents label the money a “bribe,” but Council President Ted Streeter contends it would help the borough improve its police capabilities and social services to deal with an influx of millions of gamblers and potentially reduce property taxes.

Jeff Ernico, an attorney for the casino applicant, Crossroads Gaming Resort and Spa LP, said the money guarantee is predicated on the borough council’s support of its application for a license.

The state’s slot-machine gambling law sets aside a 4 per cent cut of slots revenue for the host municipality and county.

Crossroads Gaming CEO David LeVan welcomed the council’s endorsement as “helpful,” but said it wouldn’t “make or break the deal.”

The site of the proposed casino is of relatively minor significance some Confederate troops gathered there before heading off to fight in the three-day battle in 1863 that turned the tide of the US Civil War.

The borough meeting drew dozens of people wearing buttons and T-shirts, and carrying signs in support and opposition of the casino.

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