Jul 3, 2008 3:22 pm US/Eastern
Onorato Worried Over Possible Casino Delays
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato is speaking out about the plans to delay construction on parts of the North Shore casino.
He says he's concerned about a recent request made by casino developer Don Barden.
Onorato says because Barden made promises when it comes to the Majestic Star Casino, and he should have to keep them.
Specifically, Onorato says he is concerned about Barden's request that he be allowed to put off building an outdoor amphitheater, a boat dock and a promenade between the casino and the water front until year three of operations.
Onorato says that while it's important to keep the project on budget and on time, it is also important to keep the casino plan intact.
"We don't just want a facility opened in May '09 that's a box. We want what was promised to us, what was presented to the Gaming Board, what was approved, which are all those bells and whistles that add to the Waterfront," said Onorato. "We don't want a solid block there that doesn't do anything to complement the Riverfront we want what was promised."
Onorato says one thing he is not concerned about is Barden reneging on his promise to contribute $7.5 million a year toward construction of a new hockey arena, given his shaky finances.
Onorato says support for the arena is written into the financing for the casino. So, whoever ends up operating the casino, whether it is Barden or someone else, will have to give that money right up front.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this story.
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