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…"
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