Proposed casino change raises objections
2nd July, 2008
Developer Don Barden has decided to halt construction of the planned 1,000-seat amphitheatre as well as landscaping and paths on the riverfront in an attempt to cut costs for the Majestic Star Casino project, which is projected to cost $780 million.
“In the November 2006 Majestic Star Development Plan, PITG promised to construct a 1,000 seat, grass-step amphitheatre at the river’s edge that can be used for public concerts and events,” a Riverlife news release said.
The proposal to delay this construction has raised many objections from a group that advocates for Pittsburgh’s riverfront development.
“We are deeply concerned that the proposed changes to the project will postpone – and ultimately may eliminate – the amphitheatre, the docking areas and the accessible ramp and pathway connections from the water’s edge to the casino promenade,” said Lisa Schroeder, executive director. “These are the key components that were promised as public amenities, yet the revised plans now show a steep grass bank with rip rap rocks along the riverfront edge and no access from the water to the facility.”
PITG Gaming LLC, which is Barden’s company, gave the Pittsburgh Planning Commission the proposal, Tuesday, to delay construction on the casino and it is up to the commission whether or not permission is granted.
“We simply ask the gaming board and the Planning Commission to enforce the conditions imposed and PITG to comply with the representations it made,” said John Oliver, Riverlife co-chairman.
In the mean time, construction has already been halted temporarily because contractor payments have been lagging, and Barden is currently seeking funding from Walton Street Capital LLC in the sum of $120 million for the casino.
By Michael
