Federal Judge Signs Off On Casino Agreement

A U.S. Federal Judge in Columbus today signed off on the deal that led to an annexation agreement by West Side casino developers and the city of Columbus. The deal that could ultimately provide water and sewer services to Penn National's casino on West Broad Street still has a few contingencies left before everything's a go. Two lawsuits involving Penn National must be resolved and property for the casino's original site in the Arena District has to be sold...all by the first week in July. U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frost said he always worries about meeting outstanding contingencies to settle agreements, and he said the time frame for these is tight. "That's a lot to do between now and July 5, but I've been assured that the parties are going to work hard and try to get that finished," Frost said. Frost said if the deadline is not met the agreement would be breached. As part of the deal, Columbus has agreed to give Penn National $15 million for site clean-up and road improvements. The city stands to gain millions of dollars in additional tax revenue as a result of the annexation.