But would a Casino just bring further decline to the area?

 

Please list all casinos you know of which have caused an area to decline?

 

 

I think the bigger problem is that these neighborhoods already have crime problems (mostly property). Casinos, whatever other effect they have, tends to bring with it increases in property crime. There are class issues involved as well in the casino operators visions for where they should locate.

 

 

Heck, I'd support it just because of its proximity to notoriously conservative leaning Worthington!

 

Worthington leans left these days. But it falls into the moderate category. It use to lean conservative, along with many Columbus suburbs and Franklin County, but that change from the 90s to the 2000s. 

 

Now with it being 2010 Worthington has been gradually getting more into the Dem leaning category this entire decade, especially for Presidential elections. Worthington has long had a history of being okay with taxation, especially for services, so it has been kind of inevitable that it would change more left.

 

Back to the Continent location.  The area has been a "transitional area" not a "growing" one.

 

In Northland area (morse to 161) Incomes are stable, there's not a lot of reinvestment in residential property, on a whole, causing homes to increase in value but by very little when indexed for inflation.  There are some nicer homes in the area, but many are average middle class ones from the 60s and 70s and 80s. 

 

Continent is, also, right on the edge by Worthington and the development itself was meant to be a

"early mixed use project."  Apartments still sit all around the retail.  If the casino was to come there it would be on that is surrounded by many apartments.  I'm not sure that I buy all of the increased crime effect of a casino, especially when residential is a distance from the casino, but in this case it would be a potential crime disaster (at least for those residents in those apartments.)

I

It is clear that in Central Ohio, the feeling is that this should go into a neighborhood that needs re-investment rather than into places that are already gathering investment.  I have a sneaking suspicion that the casino operators may not want to be doing that.  They want to be where the action already is, rather in places that have been declining.  It will be interesting to see how this all develops.

 

That's a pretty good assessment of the situation.  Though the casino developer is willing to look at alternative locations to the Arena District site, whether they'll end up going to one of those locations is still very much in doubt. 

 

The Dispatch published an article today comparing the Arena District site and six other locations that have emerged as alternative sites since the November statewide vote.  Below is a link to the article.  Also below are links to a map and a graphic that lists the attributes and drawbacks of all seven locations.  The graphic is an especially good resource on this issue.

 

Dispatch Article: Where casino will be wooed not a sure bet

 

Graphic: Attributes and drawbacks of possible casino sites

 

Map of possible casino sites

 

A look at the Statehouse political side of moving the proposed casino from the Arena District to another location in Columbus.

 

Lawmakers willing to listen to plans for moving casino

Business First of Columbus - by Jeff Bell

Friday, January 8, 2010

 

Penn National Gaming Inc.’s willingness to budge on the site for its planned Columbus casino has grabbed the attention of state legislators trying to broker a compromise on the controversial project.  Looking to work with business and community groups opposed to the casino being built on the western edge of the Arena District, Penn National recently said it is willing to listen to the call for an alternate location – but only if it does not slow down the project.

 

The change in course by the Wyomissing, Pa.-based gaming company has two Central Ohio lawmakers – state Sens. David Goodman, R-New Albany, and Jim Hughes, R-Columbus – rethinking casino legislation they introduced in November and hope to get on the May 4 ballot.  Their Senate resolution calls for a statewide vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow counties to opt out of hosting a casino through a local voter referendum.

 

Goodman and Hughes told Columbus Business First they are willing to drop the opt-out provision and replace it with language specifying whatever alternate site in Columbus is agreed on by Penn National and community groups.  The Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo casino sites listed in Issue 3 would remain unchanged.

 

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/01/11/story3.html

Interesting editorial from the Akron Beacon-Journal about Penn National agreeing to move their casino location in Columbus.

 

Columbus beats the house: The city gets Penn National Gaming to change the location of its casino

I wonder if bordering Wingate/Oakbrook Manor/whatever the hell they will call it by then, will become prostitute/drug central. We're talking about moving a casino right next to the second largest housing estate in the United States which currently has only a 20% occupancy rate.

Columbus Casino Site Could Be Announced Midweek

Updated: Monday,  January 11, 2010 - 7:08 PM

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Penn National Gaming is expected this week to identify one of five alternative sites to build its Hollywood Columbus Casino, 10TV's Kevin Landers reported Monday.  After public outcry, the gaming company is considering sites besides the Arena District.  The other possible locations include where Cooper Stadium is located, Westland Mall, the former Delphi plant, the Polaris area or the Scioto Downs area.  Sources told 10TV News that The Continent, an area that once housed shopping, restaurants and nightclubs, is a long shot.

 

Once a casino site is selected, legislation will be introduced in both the Ohio House and Senate calling for a change in location.  The House and Senate will vote on the legislation, requiring a 60 percent favorable vote by both.  It all must be completed by Feb. 3 to be placed on the May 4 statewide ballot, Landers reported.  The new location would then need to be approved by voters, in order to move the casino location from the Arena District.

 

Full report and video at http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2010/01/11/story-columbus-casino-location.html?sid=102

Voters near alternate sites backed casino issue

Thursday,  January 14, 2010 - 3:25 AM

By Robert Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch

 

In a region that rejected the idea of a Columbus casino last fall, voters bucked the trend near five of the alternative sites now being considered.  Neighbors of Westland Mall and the former Delphi auto-parts plant, Cooper Stadium, the Continent, and several stretches of South Side farmland voted in favor of casino gambling in Ohio, according to precinct-by-precinct totals from Nov. 3.  Residents of the Arena District and the Polaris area, as well as those living closest to Scioto Downs, voted against the November issue.

 

Although the question in November specified a casino in the Arena District, not one of the other potential sites, the vote counts are getting new scrutiny.  Developer Penn National said Dec. 31 that it would consider other sites.  Vote totals are one way the company and Mayor Michael B. Coleman will determine whether a potential host neighborhood favors casino gambling at its doorstep.  Coleman aides have said the mayor will not support a casino in any neighborhood that doesn't want one, and officials from Penn National said they're also taking into account community support.

 

MAP OF PRECINCTS VOTING ON CASINO ISSUE AND PROPOSED CASINO LOCATIONS

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/14/copy/casino_support.ART_ART_01-14-10_A1_08G9VTV.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Franklin Township trustees reverse vote; now they endorse casino

Friday,  January 15, 2010 - 1:08 PM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

With a 2-1 vote, Franklin Township trustees gave their blessing today to a potential W. Broad Street casino - as long as the city of Columbus agrees to share some of the tax revenue from a development. 

 

"My support will only stay if Franklin Township gets something from it. When that stops, I stop," said Trustee Don Cook, who helped defeat a township endorsement last week.  He voted in favor of today's motion, as did Chairman Tim Guyton. Trustee Paul Johnson again voted no.  Unlike the motion that was defeated Jan. 7, the language before the trustees today expressed a preference that a casino remain in Franklin Township or that there be a revenue-sharing agreement if the site is annexed.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/15/Trustees-reverse-vote-on-casino.html?sid=101

Penn National closes deal for Arena District site

Business First of Columbus - by Jeff Bell

Friday, January 15, 2010, 4:27pm

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. has exercised its option to buy land on the edge of the Arena District to develop a casino but will continue to look at alternate sites for the gambling facility.  The Wyomissing, Pa.-based company said in a news release Friday that it has closed on the 18.3-acre tract at 560 W. Nationwide Blvd., plus six acres adjoining that property.  The purchase price was not disclosed.  Penn National had an option through Jan. 30 to buy the property, which was specified as the casino site in a constitutional amendment approved by Ohio voters Nov. 3.

 

Penn National wanted to lock up the Arena District property, a source said, because there is no guarantee the Ohio legislature will agree to place another constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot to move the casino to another location.  There also is no guarantee Ohio voters would approve such a ballot issue.  Should an acceptable alternate site be found, the state legislature is facing a Feb. 3 deadline to place a constitutional amendment on the May 4 statewide ballot.

 

Penn National Senior Vice President Eric Schippers said in the release that they hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of its efforts to explore an alternative site within the next few days.  “However, given the uncertainty of an outcome in the legislature or ultimately at the ballot box in May,” Schippers said, “Penn National intends to continue to plan for development on the Arena District site in parallel with our evaluation of potential alternative sites.”

 

Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/01/11/daily45.html

Well, it looks like we might need to change the thread title!

 

Casino developer chooses Delphi

Monday,  January 18, 2010 - 4:59 PM

By Robert Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch

 

The developer of a Columbus casino apparently has settled on the former Delphi auto-parts plant on W. Broad Street as its choice for the development.  An announcement is planned Tuesday morning.

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. officials could not be reached today, but sources said they have settled on the Delphi site as the best alternative to the Arena District location listed in the constitutional amendment approved by Ohio voters in November.

 

Penn National purchased the Arena District site last week, but company officials said they were still considering alternatives in light of local opposition to that location.  Changing the Columbus location - the Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo casino sites in the constitution have caused no controversy - will require another change to Ohio's constitution.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/18/Casino-developer-readies-announcement.html?sid=101

So will the Delhi location require a change in the Constitution?  Is that via a statewide ballot?

Yes and yes.

What if voters don't approve it?

it's not happening.

 

the mayor and his cohorts are playing games

What if voters don't approve it?

 

Don't know.  Suppose it could keep going back to the polls until it passes - just like the pro-gaming forces did.  But why would voters in other cities care where the Columbus casino is located?

Links to today's media articles confirming Penn's shift to the Delphi site reported last night.

 

 

Casino developer confirms Delphi site

 

Delphi named as alternative site for casino

What if voters don't approve it?

 

Then they build at the Arena District and we can't do anything about it.

smoke and mirrors

 

think about it:

 

why would penn station be developing on both sites at the same time?

 

that's just plain stupid

 

it's going in the Arena district,this Delphi plant location is all smoke and mirrors from Coleman and the Dispatch.

now Coleman can say to the Arena district that he tried to keep it out,when he knows this is all BS.

smoke and mirrors

 

think about it:

 

why would penn station be developing on both sites at the same time?

 

Penn Station wouldn't.  Penn National is the casino developer.  Penn Station is a sub sandwich chain. 

 

 

What if voters don't approve it?

 

Then they build at the Arena District and we can't do anything about it.

 

That's technically correct.  And probably the likely course of action if a statewide vote goes against the alternate Delphi location.  But the city doesn't have to be "helpful" to Penn National.  And the city could even be "difficult" if they wanted to be. 

 

But, realistically, if the alternate site goes down the defeat, Penn National will have much more leverage for the city to go along with the Arena District site.

Plethora of news from The Dispatch about the ongoing saga of the proposed Columbus Casino...

 

New site, new options for Columbus casino

Once-vilified Penn National is now being praised for agreeing to move to the West Side

Wednesday,  January 20, 2010 - 3:08 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

A casino on Columbus' West Side might look radically different from the one that Penn National Gaming Inc. has contemplated for the Arena District.  In the Arena District, the company would build on 24 acres, about the size of Schiller Park.  At the former Delphi Corp. auto-parts plant, it would have 123 acres at its disposal. 

 

In the Arena District, Penn National had planned to include restaurants, a sports bar and an entertainment lounge in 300,000 square feet of building.  At Delphi, executives say a hotel and other features might be added as well.

 

Penn National locked up an option yesterday morning to buy the Delphi site from the Troy, Mich.-based company that shut it down in 2007.  There are still some mighty big steps ahead: Ohio voters must approve a new constitutional amendment in May to allow the move, and the area in Franklin Township still must be annexed into Columbus.  But city officials and West Side supporters were happy with the first step taken yesterday.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/20/copy/casino_site.ART_ART_01-20-10_A1_J3GBTEK.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Some hope casino revives West Side; others are leery

Wednesday,  January 20, 2010 - 3:07 AM

By Mark Ferenchik

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

For decades, thousands of workers built parts for GM cars and trucks at the Delphi plant, providing good paychecks and secure futures for central Ohio families.  Now, business leaders and others hope that a $250 million casino can restore some of the energy along W. Broad Street and spark a rebirth for what once was a bustling area of industry, stores and restaurants.  "This is not the end of the revitalization, but the beginning," said Chris Haydocy, president of Haydocy Automotive.

 

The closing of the Delphi plant in 2007, plus the steep decline of Westland Mall and the W. Broad Street corridor, created fears of a death spiral in the area.  General Motors last year pressured Haydocy to move his dealership, but he refused.  "They were concerned about the viability of the location," said Haydocy, whose dealership is in front of the Delphi site.  "They were shocked how the decimation of this corridor has happened in the last 10 years."

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/20/copy/casino_site_SIDE.ART_ART_01-20-10_A1_J3GBTPC.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

And finally...

 

Casino Q&A: Answers to basic questions about the proposal to shift a casino development to W. Broad Street

 

Aerial Photo of the 123-acre Delphi site and factory

 

Comparing the demographic differences between the Arena District and the Delphi site

Casino plan moving along

Penn National wants partner in ballot campaign for new location

Thursday,  January 21, 2010 - 3:16 AM

By Jim Siegel and Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

A Republican-controlled Senate committee yesterday took the first legislative step toward allowing Ohio voters to select a new site for a Columbus casino.  But it remains to be seen whether the plan will sail smoothly through the legislature, which must act by Feb. 3 to place the issue on the May ballot.

 

A Democratic-controlled House committee plans to pass its own, nearly identical version of the resolution today, allowing a casino to be built at the former Delphi auto-parts plant along W. Broad Street.  That would force legislative leaders, who have struggled to agree on a number of issues this session, to work out which lawmakers get credit for the final version.  Each chamber expects to pass its own resolution next week.

 

Penn National President Tim Wilmott told senators at yesterday's hearing that the agreement is part of "our further desire to be a good corporate citizen," and will get construction started as soon as possible.  At a luncheon hosted yesterday by the Columbus Metropolitan Club, spokesman Eric Schippers of Penn National said Arena District opposition was among the reasons for the potential move.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/21/copy/Casino_Issue.ART_ART_01-21-10_B1_PCGC7G0.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Casino issue keeps moving

Gambling company that opposed Issue 3 says it won't fight

Friday,  January 22, 2010 - 3:08 AM

By Jim Siegel

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Looking a lot like a Senate committee did the day before, a House committee voted unanimously yesterday to let Ohio voters decide whether to shift the location of a casino in Columbus from the Arena District to the West Side.  The resolution is expected to go next week to the House floor, where it needs backing from a three-fifths majority for approval.  The Senate is expected to send its own resolution to its floor, but to get a version on the May ballot, the two chambers will have to decide before Feb. 3 which of the nearly identical measures will get final approval.

 

Jeffrey P. Jacobs, chairman of the board of MTR Gaming Group, which supplied the bulk of the money to oppose the casino issue in November, said he will not oppose this latest proposal.  Jacobs said he still hopes that Gov. Ted Strickland will push to implement video slot machines at Ohio's racetracks.  "Otherwise, most of Ohio's horse racetracks will be going dark when these four casinos open up."

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/22/copy/Casino_House.ART_ART_01-22-10_B1_H1GCI4E.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

"Otherwise, most of Ohio's horse racetracks will be going dark when these four casinos open up."

 

I know that the horse tracks have a some problem gamblers at them, but are they really the only ones keeping them open? I like going to horse tracks and gamble a little, but aren't most people there for a horse racing experience?

"Otherwise, most of Ohio's horse racetracks will be going dark when these four casinos open up."

 

I know that the horse tracks have a some problem gamblers at them, but are they really the only ones keeping them open? I like going to horse tracks and gamble a little, but aren't most people there for a horse racing experience?

 

Maybe there's someone here who's in-the-know about the horse racing business who could comment.  But here's my laymans take on that comment.

 

I'm sure there are many people who go to the tracks for the experience.  But I'll guess that the at-the-track betting is what determines track profitability.  At one time, if someone wanted to bet, the tracks were the only game in town.  Now, with the state lottery, internet sports betting and out-of-state casinos, its not.  The horse racing tracks in Ohio have seen declining revenues year after year.  And horse racing in general is in decline nationwide.  So I think the tracks view the coming in-state casinos as another body blow.  One that many tracks might not survive without some additional attraction, like slots.

West Side hopes for gains from casino

But big property-value hikes aren't sure thing

Saturday,  January 23, 2010 - 3:03 AM

By Mark Ferenchik and Marla Matzer Rose

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

For those aching to attract Penn National Gaming's casino to the struggling West Side, the allure goes beyond slot machines and blackjack tables.  "It's all about jobs," said Dru Bagley, a member of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission. "People in this community, they have to make ends meet."

 

Experts caution that a casino might not be the panacea some expect.  But that's not stopping some from hoping it will attract interest to a long-neglected area.

 

Jason Sauer, an investment-property specialist with CB Richard Ellis in Columbus, said he has seen increased interest in properties near the shuttered Delphi site.  He said he expects more activity if Ohio voters agree in May to shift the casino site from the Arena District to the Delphi site at W. Broad Street and Georgesville Road.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/23/CASINOSPEC.ART_ART_01-23-10_A1_UVGCRVT.html?sid=101

Casino Spurs Hope For Neglected Neighborhood

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Residents near the site of a proposed casino in the city say they hope the plan will boost the struggling neighborhood.

 

Penn National Gaming Inc., which is developing the casino, wants to build it on the city's west side on property occupied by a former Delphi auto parts factory. It's across the street from a neighborhood dubbed the emptiest in the U.S.

 

An analysis last year by The Associated Press showed that about 70 percent of the neighborhood's housing is empty. It's a stretch that features a mostly vacant apartment complex, a strip club and abandoned retail stores.

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/22323309/detail.html

Casino site needs a ballot win

Some Ohioans might not be in mood to allow Columbus a location do-over on the May ballot

Sunday,  January 24, 2010 - 3:36 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Central Ohio's new political guessing game: How will voters in the rest of the state feel about a change of address for the casino in Columbus?

 

In the Mahoning Valley, where they rejected last fall's pro-gambling constitutional amendment, there's lingering resentment that Youngstown isn't on the list of casino cities.  In Toledo, which did make the list, some online pundits have questioned why Columbus is the only city getting a second look at locations.  In 58 of Ohio's 88 counties, voters sided against the Nov. 3 constitutional amendment that authorized casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.  Will those areas, which include Franklin and surrounding counties, view a May 4 ballot issue as another chance to speak out?

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. announced last week that it plans to move its constitutionally sanctioned casino from the Arena District to the West Side, and state legislators took the first steps toward putting the move before Ohio voters.

 

MAP OF PROPOSED WEST SIDE CASINO SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/24/copy/casino_Sun.ART_ART_01-24-10_B1_84GCPDO.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Penn National to seek tax break for casino shift to west side

Business First of Columbus - by Jeff Bell

Monday, January 25, 2010, 8:00am EST

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. is looking for tax incentives to offset some of the added expense of developing an alternative casino site in Columbus.  Fresh from buying a 24-acre site by the Arena District, the company said Jan. 19 it will pursue development on a parallel track for putting its casino at the former Delphi Automotive Systems LLC plant on the west side.

 

Penn National President Tim Wilmott said the company has an option to buy the 123-acre Delphi site at West Broad Street and Georgesville Road.  Terms weren’t disclosed, but the property was recently listed for $5 million on a commercial real estate Web site.  Penn National also paid $36.2 million to buy three properties on West Nationwide Boulevard for a casino there, according to public records.

 

Penn National agreed to go with the Delphi property as an alternative after the Columbus Partnership, Arena District developer Nationwide Insurance and investor Dispatch Printing Co. and others railed against building a casino in the neighborhood.  They said a site in an economically depressed part of town, such as the area around the Delphi property and Westland Mall, would be a better fit for the casino.  Mayor Mike Coleman has said he would not support tax breaks or money for infrastructure improvements for a casino in the Arena District, but when asked about incentives to support the Delphi site, the mayor told Columbus Business First they have not been “discussed or considered.”

 

Full article at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/01/25/story2.html?b=1264395600^2769551

(Full article available today at Business First website)

Plaza returning money used to clean up casino land

Business First of Columbus - by Matt Burns

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 9:00am

 

An end is coming to another battle over the controversial – and potentially former – site of Columbus’ planned casino. 

 

Sam Van Landingham, chief of development for Columbus-based Plaza Properties Inc., told Columbus Business First the firm plans to notify city officials Tuesday morning that it is returning $98,874 from a Clean Ohio grant.  The money was spent to clean up the 7.7-acre former Union Fork and Hoe Co. and Jaeger Machine Co. site west of Huntington Park and the Arena District.

 

The city helped Plaza secure $750,000 in state aid for clean-up of the site when the developer's plans called for a residential community to be built at the site.  Casino developer Penn National Gaming Inc. later secured an option to purchase the site for its casino, one of four approved in the state when Issue 3 was passed by Ohio voters last November.  A month after Issue 3 passed, city officials told Plaza the $651,126 in state funding it hadn’t spent would be withheld, alleging Plaza misrepresented its plans.  Since then Columbus has returned to the state the funding it withheld.

 

Full article at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/01/25/daily9.html

Senate OKs amendment for casino switch

Business First of Columbus

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 1:21pm

 

A proposed constitutional amendment to shift the site of Columbus’ casino to the former Delphi plant on Columbus’ west side is on its way to the House of Representatives for a vote after securing approval in the Senate Tuesday morning.  Senate Joint Resolution 8 passed before noon in a 31-2 vote.

 

The amendment, sponsored by Sens. David Goodman, R-New Albany, and Jim Hughes, R-Columbus, must clear the House and be certified by the Ohio secretary of state’s office by next Wednesday to make it on the ballot.  The House canceled its Tuesday voting session but has one scheduled for Wednesday.

 

Full article at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/01/25/daily15.html

Ohioans will vote on moving Columbus casino

Legislature approves referendum for May 4

Wednesday,  January 27, 2010 - 2:55 PM

By Jim Siegel, The Columbus Dispatch

 

Ohio voters will decide in May whether a Columbus casino can move to the West Side.

 

The Ohio House took final action today to place on the May 4 primary ballot an issue that would allow Penn National Gaming Inc. to change the location of its casino from the Arena District to the former Delphi Corp. auto-parts plant, a 123-acre site on the West Side.  The move can occur if a new constitutional amendment is approved by the statewide vote.

 

The House approved the measure 71-26, after defeating a proposed amendment by Rep. Robert F. Hagan, D-Youngstown, who wanted to add the ability for Youngstown to vote on opening a casino in that city.  Issue 3 allows a casino to be built in each of four cities: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/01/27/columbus-casino-issue-going-to-statewide-ballot.html

Outside of "I'm morally against gambling", what exactly is the rationale to NOT put an entertainment venue in the city's premier entertainment district?

 

Because Downtown would benefit more from 1,000 new residential units instead.

 

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/05/26/story8.html

The additional housing and retailers downtown is a great idea and I'm all for it but I don't buy that's the reason why they wanted the Casino moved from the Arena District. Casino's have always had the stereotype of being 'bad' and brings lots of crime to the area (especially in Columbus) and I think its B.S. that all of a sudden its okay to put it on the Westside because we all know the 'westside' is already run down and crime infested so now a casino can help revive that area of Columbus :rolleyes: Rant over!

The additional housing and retailers downtown is a great idea and I'm all for it but I don't buy that's the reason why they wanted the Casino moved from the Arena District.

 

I'm not speaking for "they", just for me.

 

When I went to the ballot box on Nov 3rd I vote "NO" for the Casino and "YES" for Downtown Housing.

 

Downtown Housing > Downtown Casino

downtown wouldn't benefit from 1000 more residential units,but the overpriced restaurants and bars in the area would,along with the developers.

 

greed will out.

downtown wouldn't benefit from 1000 more residential units

Wrong

downtown wouldn't benefit from 1000 more residential units

Wrong

 

That answer was so concise, yet so accurate!

The Dispatch had an interesting look at the Delphi site earlier this week.  It examined the potential environmental cleanup that would be necessary if it becomes Columbus' casino location.  Below is a link to the full article and a graphic included with article.  The graphic showed the particular cleanup areas.  It also compared the size of the factory with the size of the downtown convention center.  It turns out that the footprint of the former Delphi plant is slightly larger than the convention center.  I had no idea the Delphi building was that large!

 

DISPATCH ARTICLE:  60 years of waste must go at Delphi

 

GRAPHIC:  Awaiting cleanup

downtown wouldn't benefit from 1000 more residential units

Wrong

 

That answer was so concise, yet so accurate!

"Brevity is the soul of wit."

 

Delphi has all sorts of factories littering Ohio cities. Might be an interesting case study in how to deal.

Purchase of Delphi casino site done deal

Saturday,  February 6, 2010 - 3:01 AM

By Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. completed its purchase yesterday of the former Delphi auto-parts plant, where it is expected to build a casino.  The 123-acre site near W. Broad Street and Georgesville Road, east of I-270, was chosen by Penn National nearly three weeks ago as the preferred location for its Hollywood Casino Columbus.  Penn National bought the land for $2.5 million, according to documents filed with the Franklin County auditor's office.

 

Penn National paid $36.2 million for 24 acres west of Huntington Park and Nationwide Arena, which includes the casino site authorized in the Ohio constitution.  The company will sell the Arena District land if voters approve the Delphi site, company officials have said.  If voters reject the move, Penn National plans to build in the Arena District.

 

Full article at http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/02/06/copy/delphi_purchase.ART_ART_02-06-10_B4_12GH20A.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Penn National hedges bet at Delphi site by hiring redevelopment team

Business First of Columbus - by Brian R. Ball

Friday, February 12, 2010

 

The abandoned Delphi Corp. complex on Columbus’ west side sold for a meager $2.5 million as the developer of a casino planned for the 123-acre site hedged its bet on the amount of environmental cleanup the industrial land may require. 

 

CD Gaming Ventures Inc., an affiliate of casino operator Penn National Gaming Inc., closed its purchase of the former parts factory and land on Feb. 5.  According to the deed filed with the Franklin County auditor, Delphi sold the Georgesville Road property “as is, where is and with all faults.”  The plant produced automotive components for about 60 years before it was shuttered in late 2007.

 

Penn National, based in a suburb of Reading, Pa., has put together a group to deal with any environmental hazards at the site.  Dublin-based Hull & Associates Inc. will serve as the environmental engineering consultant for the project, according to the firm’s director of government and community relations, Kara Allison.  She confirmed that Joe Reidy, a well-regarded environmental lawyer at Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co. LPA in Columbus, will handle legal work on the project. 

 

Penn National also hired Duke/Hemisphere Redevelopment, a venture between Indianapolis-based Duke Realty Corp. and Bedford-based Hemisphere Development LLC, to manage the brownfield redevelopment.

 

Full article at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/02/15/newscolumn1.html

$24.2 MILLION ESTIMATE

Casino's taxes not built into city budget

Coleman, others say they won’t count on uncertain revenue

Saturday,  February 27, 2010 - 2:55 AM

By Robert Vitale, The Columbus Dispatch

 

Mayor Michael B. Coleman urged voters this week to support a constitutional amendment allowing developers to change their Columbus casino plan, moving it from the Arena District to along W. Broad Street.  The former casino critic has come to embrace the idea - "whether you support it or oppose it, gambling is here in Ohio," Coleman said in Wednesday's State of the City address.  But he and other city leaders say they won't bank on the tax windfall that the developers say is headed local government's way.

 

Penn National Gaming Inc. estimates that Columbus will reap more than $24 million annually in taxes after the company's Hollywood Casino Columbus opens in 2012.  The company also said this week that it now plans to spend $400 million on the development, not the $250 million mandated in last year's constitutional amendment that approved casinos for Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/02/27/copy/casinos-taxes-not-built-into-city-budget.html?adsec=politics&sid=101

Casino plans sparks interest in Westland-area properties

Business First of Columbus

By Brent Wilder For Business First

Friday, March 5, 2010

 

Michael Copella, vice president of sales and leasing with Alterra Real Estate Advisors LLC, listed Cirilla’s adult novelty store for sale in December.  By the end of January, he had a buyer for the property at 4056 W. Broad Street.  The Cirilla’s property is in contract and it sits directly north of the former Delphi Automotive Systems site that’s expected to be the new location for the casino.  The activity is likely a sign of things to come as real estate investors roll the dice on a run-down section of town that’s expected to turn into a regional retail center.

 

One of the big players in the transformation of West Broad Street will be Larry Ruben, whose Plaza Properties Inc. owns Westland Mall through a partnership with California investors.  The mall sits a stone’s throw west of the Delphi plant.  Ruben also cashed in to the tune of $36 million by selling Penn National Gaming Inc. the original casino site west of the Arena District.

 

Ruben says there’s no question having the facility on the west side will have a significantly greater impact on development than within the Arena District.  Plaza Properties has an “inside relationship” for a joint master plan of the casino complex, which in conjunction with the former Lincoln Park West apartment complex and the mall site represent a potential 300 acres of infill redevelopment.

 

MORE: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/03/08/focus1.html

Some more Casino related real estate speculation deals on the West Side...

 

Investor snaps up Trader Bud’s site

Friday, March 12, 2010

By Brian R. Ball

Business First of Columbus

 

A Grove City investor has added the former Trader Bud’s auto showroom at 4000 W. Broad St. in Columbus to two properties he picked up near the former Delphi Automotive Systems plant that could become the site of a $400 million casino.  Mohammad Jallaq of Mid Ohio Universal Investments LLC paid $620,000 for the 8.96-acre site after an Internet auction by LFC Online Auction and Grubb & Ellis|Adena Commercial.

 

The Trader Bud’s property went on the market in 2007 for $3.75 million.  The asking price dropped to $3.2 million in December 2007 and was cut to $750,000 by mid-2009.  That’s when Adena agent Christopher Salomone said he and colleague Jon Leffler suggested the online auction.

 

Enter Jallaq, who in early December bought a vacant Ponderosa steakhouse building at 355 Georgesville Road for $100,000 and a closed Captain D’s building at 375 Georgesville Road for $125,000.  Jallaq said the notice for the second auction caught his eye after he bought those sites.  “We intend to operate (the Trader Bud's property) as a used-car dealership, but if somebody came in at the right price we could sell it,” Jallaq said, suggesting that price would be close to $3 million.  He has the Ponderosa site listed at $899,000 and Captain D’s at $650,000.

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/03/15/newscolumn1.html

Unions kick off casino vote drive

Push on for May election to move location to West Side

Wednesday,  March 17, 2010 - 2:56 AM

By James Nash

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Labor unions vowed yesterday to apply the same political muscle toward persuading Ohioans to approve relocating a planned Columbus casino that they used to convince voters to support casinos in November.

 

Police and construction unions played crucial roles last year in getting 53 percent of Ohio voters to approve casinos in Columbus and three other cities.  At a rally yesterday, union leaders said they're firing up their political machinery on behalf of a statewide ballot measure in May that would move the Columbus casino site from the Arena District to the West Side.

 

Ohio AFL-CIO President Joe Rugola said 80 percent of the union's members backed the four-casino issue last year.  "It's our intention to do everything - focus every energy and resource - to ensure that they do the same thing this spring," Rugola told about 250 people at a rally at a West Side auto dealership yesterday evening.

 

WEBSITE: www.StandUpFor2.com

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/17/copy/unions-kick-off-casino-drive.html?adsec=politics&sid=101