Municipalities pushing for community input for mini-casino plans

Posted: Nov 20, 2017 / 04:13 PM EST

Updated: Nov 20, 2017 / 05:55 PM EST

Dec. 31st is the deadline for any municipality to opt-out of a mini-casino and townships and boroughs in Centre County all seem to be scrambling for community input.

Earlier this month legislation unveiled a proposal in the state budget for ten new mini-casinos throughout Pennsylvania.

Dan Trevino, a Supervisor for Patton Township, said “The citizens need to know that this is a distinct possibility that one could be sited in the Centre Region.”

Each municipality is given the opportunity to opt-out with a passed resolution by Dec. 31st.

Trevino said it’s a tight deadline that limits regions from getting substantial feedback from residents.

“You have to blame the legislation. Because the legislation was just passed in the beginning of November,” Trevino said.

He has drafted a resolution because he doesn’t believe Patton Township is the right place for a casino.

“We’re primarily a residential township, there is a commercial strip along North Atherton St. and Colonnade Blvd., and that’s it,” Trevino said. “That’s commercial, everything else is residential. It would completely change the character of a particular area, wherever that mini casino be sited.”

He said it’s not about pro or anti gambling, rather this resolution is also a tool for residents to make their voice heard.

“I drafted it so that we could have a citizen input on whether or not they wanted such a resolution passed,” Trevino said.

As municipalities make their decision, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is publishing an up-to date list on who’s in and who’s out.

Here is a list of the municipalities who responded to WTAJ’s request for resolution status and upcoming public meetings to discuss mini-casino plans:

Drafted or Plan to Draft Resolution:

Benner Twp.- Next meeting Dec. 4th

Boggs Twp.- Next meeting Dec. 5th

College Twp.- Next meeting Dec. 7th or 21st

Halfmoon Twp.- Next Meeting Dec. 14th

Harris Twp.- Next Meeting Dec. 11th

Howard Twp.- Next Meeting Dec. 4th

Marion Twp.- Next Meeting Dec. 7th @ 7:30 p.m.

Patton Twp.- Next Meeting Dec. 13th @ 7 p.m.

State College Borough- Next Meeting Nov. 20th @ 7 p.m.