Borough has not been approached by Mason Dixon Resort investors.
Third-year Gettysburg Borough Council Michael J. Birkner said Tuesday morning that he is unaware of any plans by investors of the proposed Mason Dixon Resort & Casino in Cumberland Township to approach the borough regarding plans to convert the Eisenhower Inn into a gaming facility.
Some town officials, like new Councilman Graham Weaver, have voiced concerns over infrastructure, while others — like Councilwoman Alice Estrada — have noted that the resort (if approved by state) is likely to pump much needed revenue into the area.
Birkner’s thoughts?
He’s decided not to “weigh-in” at the moment, since it’s mainly a Cumberland Township issue.
“As far as my personal opinion, it’s not really that important, is it?” Birkner said during an interview Tuesday morning on 1320 WGET radio.
“I don’t think, given that the borough hasn’t been approached, as a council person, that I need to weigh-in,” concluded Birkner.
The Gettysburg College history professor noted that “if the borough was approached” by investors, such as Gettysburg businessman David LeVan, that he thinks Council President John Butterfield “would be the person to go to.” Butterfield has received no overtures from the Mason Dixon group to date.
“It’s my understanding, I’ll say from conversations with Councilman Butterfield, that he has not been approached by any representative of the casino, or Mr. LeVan,” said Birkner.
Unlike LeVan’s previous gaming proposal, the failed Crossroads project in Straban Township in 2005-06, the borough is unlikely to receive a guaranteed cut of revenue. Back then, the cash-strapped municipality was promised at least $2 million annually, and the sum would have escalated on a yearly basis, if the project was granted a license. The borough voted in 2006 to support the proposal, noting that the money would be well-used to fix deteriorating roads, new equipment, and staffing needs.
But the state denied LeVan a license, citing “overwhelming” opposition, and revenue concerns, such as the potential impact of Maryland slots.
Now, the borough appears out of the mix.
Meanwhile, Cumberland Township Supervisors have been promised an annual cut of at least $1 million from the resort, which would be located along Business 15 south of Gettysburg. The five person board voted last month to back the project, and agreed to testify at a yet-to-be-scheduled hearing before the state’s Gaming Control Board.
This time around, it doesn’t look like investors behind the project need the borough’s support — or opposition
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