Pittsburgh Steelers Oppose North Shore Casino Project
In formal objections filed with the state Gaming Control Board, the team said a casino would "seriously conflict" with development plans for land between PNC Park and Heinz Field, add to existing parking and traffic woes, and create concerns for the National Football League, which is opposed to links between its teams and players and gambling.
"We feel there needs to be some distance between facilities like this and sports facilities," Steelers President Arthur J. Rooney II said yesterday.
The letter to the gaming board formalizes the Steelers' oft-stated opposition to a North Shore casino.
Team officials initially opposed a plan by Alco Parking Corp. President Merrill Stabile to build a casino near PNC Park.
Although Mr. Stabile later dropped his plan, Detroit businessman Don Barden is seeking to build a $410 million Majestic Star casino between the Carnegie Science Center and West End Bridge.
The Steelers and Pirates are working with Continental Real Estate Cos. to redevelop land between the two stadiums.
So far that has resulted in construction of office buildings and a plan to build an amphitheater and entertainment district known as Pittsburgh Live!.
Mr. Rooney said the development plan never included gambling. In its letter, the team said the city had assured the two office anchors -- Equitable Resources and Del Monte Foods,that there would not be gambling on the North Shore.
Another concern is parking, Mr. Rooney said.
The Steelers now have about 5,000 spaces available for game days, but they fear parking will be in even greater demand with the proposed Pittsburgh Live! district and future development. Adding a casino will create a greater crunch, he said.
June 22, 2006
Posted By Matt Manchester
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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