Company Fights Pittsburgh Casino Proposal

As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Equitable Resources Inc., which opened its new headquarters on the North Shore in June, plans to fight a city proposal to zone the land between Heinz Field and PNC Park to allow a slot machine casino.

"A casino is inconsistent with promises made to Equitable, in committing to the North Shore, to maintain a business and family-friendly environment between the two stadiums, company spokesman David Spigelmyer said yesterday.

"Spigelmyer said Equitable is opposed to having land on the North Shore zoned for a casino and 'will likely participate' in the public hearings and discussions surrounding an ordinance being drafted by the city to accommodate a stand-alone casino with up to 5,000 machines.

"As now written, the proposed ordinance would allow a casino in the North Shore's Downtown Riverfront District, which stretches from the West End Bridge to the Veterans Bridge. It also would permit a casino Downtown, in Station Square, and in the proposed Pittsburgh Palisades Park development in Hays.

"…Equitable has been outspoken in its opposition to gambling near its headquarters since Alco Parking Corp. President Merrill Stabile announced that he would seek a state license to build a casino near PNC Park. The Pirates and the Steelers also have objected to those plans…"