Locals say they haven't seen a downside to the casino, which is credited with contributing $8 million to Washington County for local projects last year plus more than $2 million for North Strabane, where it is located.
The county funding, which will be used to expand business parks, restore historic sites, build infrastructure and supplement economic development projects, is expected to increase this year.
[...]In anticipation of the casino opening, Ms. Bennett and her neighbors expressed concern last year about noise and safety issues, but she said the casino has since installed a fence and planted trees as a buffer zone.
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She said residents generally have been pleased with the casino, especially because the company provided a contact person to deal with problems, such as middle-of-the-night car alarms.
"We've had several issues going on, but we're happy," she said.
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"You couldn't ask for a better neighbor," said North Strabane Manager Frank Siffrin. "Everything that was pledged by the owner of the casino in terms of site improvements and buffers and lessening the impact on adjacent residential developments has, in fact, been done."
Concerns about vehicle backups onto Interstate 79 and traffic jams on Race Track Road and Route 19 proved to be without merit. Three additional full-time officers were hired with part of the $2.29 million funding the township received in the first year as its share of casino revenue. No serious incidents have been reported.
"In one sentence -- it's exceeded our expectations," Mr. Siffrin said. "We have not had any difficulties whatsoever."
[...]Even with other hotels being built nearby, the Holiday Inn has seen an increase in overnight stays and in its restaurant business, said Sandy Wilson, director of sales and marketing.
[...]
Farther down the road, near the intersection with Route 19, the Finish Line Racing Cafe has seen an increase in business -- not from slots customers, but from casino staff, who stop in for a cocktail or a meal after work. Cafe Manager Taylor Dino said the restaurant has seen about a 10 percent increase in business.
[...]
More than 20 businesses have agreed to accept vouchers from slots club members of The Meadows, who accumulate points when they use slots machines and have the option of redeeming those points through vouchers they can use for purchases locally. Players with points also have an option to redeem them for vouchers to stores such as Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Giant Eagle and Outback Steakhouse.
School groups also have benefitted through the program, earning commissions on gift cards that they sell through the casino.
Read the full story by Janice Crompton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at ******************************************
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/washington/casino-seen-as-win-win-398454/
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