Construction of new $450 million casino in North Side to begin in 30 days

Mayor… Construction of new $450 million casino in North Side to begin in 30 days

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl didn’t take any breaks from the job to celebrate his election last Tuesday.

Four days after his victory, the mayor met with Detroit businessman Don Barden and Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato Saturday to finalize plans for the casino to be built near the Carnegie Science Center on the Ohio River. Barden said he will break ground in 30 days.

One main concern that was resolved was the casino’s parking garage. The garage would stand directly behind the casino at twice its height and hold 3,800 spaces.

Some worried that the garage’s height would block views from such vantage points as Mount Washington and the Fort Pitt Bridge. Barden will not change the height or structure of his casino but said he would install decorative screening on the side of the garage.

Other issues were smoking and whether the building would be green-friendly. Barden said he would make at least 25 percent of the building smoke-free – possibly up to 70 percent.

The casino will meet 32 out of 33 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designations, all except having a completely smoke-free building. LEED will grant certification in this area if an engineer agrees to put in a separate ventilation system in the smoking areas.

The Post-Gazette reported that Barden hadn’t finalized those plans but said the casino “will achieve the goal of making it non-smoking suitable.”

The casino’s restaurants and meeting spaces will be smoke-free.

Regarding the parking lot and the green-building factor, Ravenstahl said he would “be supportive” of the plans, according to the Post-Gazette.

“As a result of the agreements that Mr. Barden has made today, I feel comfortable that the two issues I had will be resolved,” he said.

Barden, who was awarded the state license for the casino almost a year ago, said at a news conference “It’s full steam ahead.” He hopes to open the casino in April 2009 and offer up to 1,000 jobs.

Ravenstahl recognizes fire fighters’ charity

Thursday, Ravenstahl recognized the Pittsburgh fire fighters for donating to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Ravenstahl held a ceremony in his office for Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Engine and Truck Company 30, who raised $20,000 for the 53rd annual “Fill the Boot” campaign, beating out the city’s other stations. The entire bureau raised $94,000.

The station won $2,500 worth of furniture from Roomful Express and donated it to the family of muscular dystrophy patient Denzel Sewell.

Head of Allegheny County Republican party resigns post

The Post-Gazette also reported last week that Allegheny County Republican Committee chairman Robert A. Glancy has resigned.

Glancy, chairman since 2004, resigned last Thursday just two days after Pittsburgh’s election of another Democratic mayor. No Republican candidate ran for the seats of county chief executive, county controller, district attorney, treasurer or five county council seats.

However, the Associated Press reported that Glancy’s decision to resign was only because he needed more time to devote to his business. Glancy is president of a construction company, R.A. Glancy ‘ Sons.

A new committee head must be chosen within 45 days, and about 800 Republican committee members are permitted to vote.