Two of the first three speakers were unsuccessful Democratic mayoral candidates in the spring primary. Les Ludwig wanted to know whether the David L. Lawrence Convention Center could be used as a casino. Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb said he has concerns about how a Station Square casino might affect Mt. Washington, where he lives.
Neither Murphy nor either of the nominated mayoral candidates, Democrat Bob O'Connor and Republican Joe Weinroth, attended.
Perhaps I'll go to the meeing on Monday night at The Dice.
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Casino forum not big draw
Gambling board deadlocks on slot-machine suppliers
By Andrew Conte
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, October 7, 2005
Few people voiced strong feelings Thursday evening about a slots parlor coming to the city during the first of six public forums on gambling in Pittsburgh.
"This is not a funeral," said Ronald Porter, co-chair of the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force, opening the meeting. "This is an opportunity for us to exchange information and to share."
The task force, appointed by Mayor Tom Murphy, laid out its preliminary findings during the 90-minute session at the Hill House Association in the Hill District. The meeting was billed as an opportunity for the public to hear how a casino might affect the city and to voice concerns.
About 30 people attended, including representatives of the Penguins hockey team, which wants to build an arena and casino in the Lower Hill District.
The state Gaming Control Board plans to give out 14 casino licenses, including one for a stand-alone slots parlor in the city. Developers are believed to be considering six potential sites, said Susan Golomb, city planning director.
When the task force turned the microphone over to residents, few had anything to say.
Hill District residents have not yet decided whether they want a casino there, said George Moses, 61. "We're in the process of talking about that as a community now. It's a two-pronged question: Do you want it; and if you do, what do you want for it?"
Two of the first three speakers were unsuccessful Democratic mayoral candidates in the spring primary. Les Ludwig wanted to know whether the David L. Lawrence Convention Center could be used as a casino. Allegheny County Prothonotary Michael Lamb said he has concerns about how a Station Square casino might affect Mt. Washington, where he lives.
Neither Murphy nor either of the nominated mayoral candidates, Democrat Bob O'Connor and Republican Joe Weinroth, attended.
The task force unveiled some of its latest research:
= Problem gambling will increase when the casino opens, said Mike English, who chairs the group's Social Impact Committee. Members have talked with local organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous and Contact Pittsburgh, a suicide counseling group, about additional resources they might need, he said.
= Pittsburgh's casino will be a major draw for people from Cleveland, Columbus and maybe even Cincinnati, said Mark Schneider, who chairs a committee looking at the casino's economic effects.
The task force plans to hold its second meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Taylor Alderdice High School in Squirrel Hill. A list of all the planned meetings is available on the city's Internet site at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us or by phone through the City Planning Department at 412-255-2200.
Andrew Conte can be reached at aconte -at- tribweb.com
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