Gaming Control Board asks for public input regarding Mount Airy Casino license renewal

David Mazzenga, Pocono Record
·3 min read

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is asking the public to weigh in on the renewal of Mount Airy Casino Resort's Category 2 Slot Machine Operator license.

PGCB will hold a public hearing on Wednesday August 3 at Paradise Township Municipal Building in Monroe County, (at the intersection of Routes 191 and 940, in Cresco) where statements can be delivered in person. Participants can also submit written statements.

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Those wishing to submit comments, wither verbal or written, must register by 12 p.m., Monday, August 1. To register, visit the GCB website (gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov) and click the registration link.

Written comments can be submitted through the PGCB website during registration. They may also be emailed to boardclerk@pa.gov, faxed to 717-265-7416 or mailed to:

PA Gaming Control Board303 Walnut Street/5th Fl. Commonwealth TowerHarrisburg, PA 17101Attention: Board Clerk

Gaming licenses are subject to renewal every four years, according to PGCB. The board uses public input along side other documents and evidence to inform its decision whether or not to award a renewal. A second public hearing will be held in Harrisburg where the casino will be able to offer its own evidence and arguments.

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According to PGCB, those applying for a license renewal must "…establish and demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, its eligibility and suitability for renewal of a gaming license. During the hearing, the renewal applicant will be given the opportunity to demonstrate, among other things, its good character, honesty and integrity; compliance with its statement of conditions; as well as provide evidence on tax revenue generated; jobs created; success in implementing its diversity plan; and involvement in the surrounding communities."

Revenue generated from Mount Airy Casino supports myriad improvement projects in Monroe County, as well as the five counties touching its borders: Wayne, Pike, Lackawanna, Carbon and Northampton. This Local Share Account (LSA) funding is distributed through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to develop communities, businesses and other aspects of public interest in the area.

Mount Airy Casino is up for a slot machine license renewal. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold a public meeting on August 3 seeking input on the matter.
Mount Airy Casino is up for a slot machine license renewal. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold a public meeting on August 3 seeking input on the matter.

On June 24, Pa. Senator Lisa Baker (R-20 Wayne, Pike, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wyoming) and Representatives Jonathan Fritz (R-111 Wayne, Susquehanna), Mike Peifer (R-139 Wayne, Pike) and Rosemary Brown (R-189 Pike, Monroe) announced $1.35 million awarded to 12 projects in Wayne and Pike Counties.

These projects include:

  • Dreher Township, Wayne County - $175,000 to renovate the Greene Dreher Volunteer Fire Association fire house.

  • Dyberry Township, Wayne County – $80,000 for a new township truck that will provide road maintenance.

  • Greater Honesdale Partnership, Wayne County – $175,000 for Phase II completion of the downtown Honesdale revitalization plan.

  • Hawley Borough, Wayne County – $80,000 for the Hawley Borough Municipal Infrastructure Project, including pavement updates along Church Street.

  • Lake Township, Wayne County – $80,000 for new residential flow meters for South Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority and the Roamingwood Sewer and Water Association.

  • Lebanon Township, Wayne County – $125,000 for Phase II construction of a salt shed for additional storage of road maintenance materials.

  • Lehigh Township, Wayne County – $79,580 for fire house improvements, including installation of a new generator and heating and cooling system.

  • Milford Borough, Pike County – $71,149 for Milford Borough Hall renovations, including replacement of the roof, heating, hot water and air-conditioning system

  • Pike County Economic Development Authority, Pike County – $150,000 for renovations and a new heating system at the Pike County Historical Society and Museum.

  • Preston Township, Wayne County – $65,959 for improvements to the municipal building to enable year-round use.

  • Prompton Borough, Wayne County – $174,262 for repairing two roads and replacing two culverts within the borough.

  • Westfall Township, Pike County – $100,000 for the Delaware Valley School District central sewer connection project.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Public comment requested for Mount Airy Casino gaming license renewal