Jul 2, 2008 9:48 pm US/Eastern
Lawsuits Blamed For Majestic Star Casino Delays
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
A spokesman for the Majestic Star says Don Barden's financial troubles for the project are not his fault.
Bob Oltmanns says if it weren't for lawsuits by the Steelers, Pirates and the two losing license applicants, the new Majestic Star might actually be open today and making money.
Instead, Barden had to fight legal challenges to his license and during that delay, the economy tanked, taking the credit market with it.
Even though Barden has been able to put together the financing he needs to pay for the project, he's asking the Gaming Control Board and the City Planning Commission to allow him to defer an outdoor amphitheater and riverfront dock and promenade until year three of operations.
The Riverlife Task Force is opposed to the delay.
But Oltmanns says the organization ought to understand the need to adjust the project to keep it on budget since the task force was part of the Point State Park project which also had to adjust materials based on increasing costs.
And he says he can assure Pittsburgh the riverfront amenities will eventually happen.
The request to change the design and defer some projects must be approved by the planning commission. They'll take up the issue when they hold a public hearing in two weeks.
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