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Mayor Responds To Petition To Drop Redevelopment

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―

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Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is responding today after the developer of the new Majestic Star Casino filed papers saying he would like to pull out of a commitment to help revitalize the Hill District.

Don Barden's company, PITG Gaming, originally offered the money in 2006 as part of a bid to win the Pittsburgh slots license.

But now has filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board wanting approval to drop the plans, which would have given $1 million annually for three years to redevelop the Hill District area.

But because of the Penguins redeveloping the Mellon Arena site, Barden is reconsidering his pledge.

Ravenstahl said, "We need to make sure to protect the interest of the taxpayers of the city of Pittsburgh. There is significant impact that this casino is going to have, both on the surrounding community, but also on the bottom line of the city of Pittsburgh's operating budget. So it is a very important issue that needs to be addressed and so we'll talk with Mr. Barden this week, number one, and then number two, reach out to the Gaming Control Board to make sure that all the commitments that were made are lived up to."

Hill District representatives say they are disappointed by Barden's decision, but they understand why he's reluctant to commit money to the area.

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