Strip District returns as possible site for slot machine casino
Once out, the Strip District is back in as a possible site for a slot machine casino, at least in the proposed zoning.
City planners have incorporated Strip District property near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and a corresponding patch of land on the North Shore into the latest draft of an ordinance zoning areas near or in Downtown to accommodate a casino.
The Strip District and North Shore parcels, which stretch from the Veterans Bridge to the 16th Street Bridge, originally had been excluded from the proposed ordinance at the request of the Buncher Co., which owns properties on both sides of the Allegheny River.
But not for long. Officials with the Buncher Co. approached city planners last week and reversed course, asking that its properties, particularly on the North Shore, be incorporated into the areas to be zoned for a casino.
Buncher President Tom Balestrieri said yesterday officials asked for the change at the request of a gaming operator who has been looking at Buncher property on the North Shore.
He would not name the operator, but it most likely is MTR Gaming, the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort owner that has been eyeing Buncher property on the North Shore near the Del Monte plant for a possible casino.
One group not happy about the possibility of a casino near the convention center is the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Bureau President Joseph McGrath said a casino near the center could cost Pittsburgh a "considerable amount of business" in terms of conventions and meetings.
"We're very strong with education groups, family groups and religious groups. A casino right in your face at the center could present many marketing issues," he said.
The planning commission is expected to vote on the proposals Oct. 25 and forward its recommendations to City Council.
