Pennsylvania
Casino Comment Period Eliminated
As reported by the Gettysburg
Times: "The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
confirmed Thursday that a state Supreme Court decision
upholding the state's gambling law eliminated a
60-day comment period reserved for municipalities
slated to host slot machine operations.
"Nick Hays, board director of communications,
said the 60-day comment period was part of an Act
71 clause precluding local control over gambling
facility construction, a clause struck by the Supreme
Court when it upheld the constitutionality of Act
71 in June.
"The 60-day comment period was for use by
local municipalities, and, indirectly, by the residents
they represent, Hays said. It provided a means for
municipalities to comment on zoning issues and construction
planning that had been solely in the hands of the
Gaming Control Board.
"…In a Thursday statement, local opponents
of a plan to build a gambling resort in Gettysburg
cited the loss of the 60-day comment period as an
erosion of the ability of local governments and
citizens to communicate with the gaming control
board.
"No Casino Gettysburg, chaired by Susan Star
Paddock, Gettysburg, characterized the loss as a
'major change' that makes it harder for citizens
to comment on 'specific casino proposals.'…"
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