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Communities fight for casinos in Westmoreland Co.

Channel 11 is uncovering new information about the fight to land a casino that's brewing in Westmoreland County.

Several communities are in the running for a new, minicasino, including Greensburg and Derry Township.

Derry leaders say they've got the perfect spot with everything needed for a successful minicasino.

"It can open up all kinds of things for the township," said David Slifka, township supervisor.

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Last month, a developer won a bid to build a minicasino in Westmoreland County.

Slifka told Channel 11 the township has plenty of space, including one spot near Keystone Park that he said gets 600,000 visitors a year -- some of whom might want to gamble.

"With 22 being wide open from New Alexandria to Blairsville, it's a whole new entertainment area for anybody who wants to go out there," Slifka said.

But a number of nearby communities are also trying to attract the minicasino.

Hempfield Township recently passed a resolution in favor of the project and Greensburg is touting a potential development sites, including one off Route 30 where a hotel already sits.

""When it comes to infrastructure, I mean the roads and the streets are here. We also have local police," said Barbara Ciampini, city planning director for Greensburg.

The developer is expected to submit a full plan with a final location this summer. One thing everyone can agree on: no matter where the project is built, it will help revitalize all of Westmoreland County.

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"It brings jobs, ancillary services; it brings a whole multitude of excitement, tourism," Ciampini said.

Channel 11 contacted the parent company of Philadelphia-based Stadium Casino LLC and did not hear back.

The company is expected to meet with county officials sometime next month.

 

Cox Media Group

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