Aug 5, 2008 10:08 pm US/Eastern
Rendell Weighs In On North Shore Casino Situation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has not said when it will make its decision about a new financing plan that would transfer majority ownership of the casino from Don Barden and PITG Gaming to Neil Bluhm.
Construction on the casino site has been suspended since June 30 and none of the contractors has been paid since April.
It appears that none of them has terminated their contracts or filed any actions against PITG Gaming. Sources tell KDKA most of the companies stand to lose more money in bankruptcy court than they would with Bluhm and his partners.
Gov. Ed Rendell says it's not his business to advise the gaming board one way or another, but he does speak highly of Neil Bluhm.
"I think elected officials should stay away from that. Let me say though that I know Neil Bluhm who's partners with Mr. Barden in this new entity and he runs some of the best gaming operations in the United States. He's financially stable and it appears to me to be a very sound deal," he said.
State Sens. Jim Ferlo and Jane Orie have urged the gaming board to revoke Barden's license and re-bid it.
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and County Executive Dan Onorato say that could take up to four years, costing both governments millions in lost casino revenue.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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