OSCEOLA MILLS — Decatur Township Supervisors passed a resolution on Tuesday prohibiting the location of a category 4 licensed facility – or casino – within the township.
The township’s resolution comes as a result of the recently passed PA Act 42, which authorizes the licensing of ten category 4 casinos within the Commonwealth. The act comes as part of an aggressive new expansion of gambling by the state which strives to bring casino games to more rural areas. Proponents of the act say it will bring in tourism and jobs.
A category 4 casino refers to a “mini-casino” licensed to those that operate a Category 1,2, or 3 casino within the commonwealth. A mini-casino could be as simple as slot machines in a public venue.
Within Act 42, article one gives all municipalities in the state the option to prohibit such a facility within their municipal boundaries. In order for the prohibition to be effective, the municipality is required to pass a resolution prior to Dec. 31, 2017.
“If we don’t take action by (then), we are basically saying, ‘If you got it, bring it,’” Supervisor Andrew Rebar noted.
Rebar said the township had already received a letter from the Sekula family who owns 160 acres on the east side of PA Route 153, a mere eight miles from Clearfield.
The letter suggested a category 4 casino could work in the township and the aforementioned land could provide expansion for hotels and other business ventures. The family feels the opportunity is acceptable and noted they are ready to lease the land.
“Does Decatur Township opt-in for a piece of prosperity supported by our readily available subdivision?” the letter inquired.
The resolution prohibiting the location of a category 4 casino in the township was passed unanimously by supervisors.
Township Solicitor Winifred Jones Wenger noted that by prohibiting a category 4 casino now, the township has not prevented themselves from allowing one down the road should the supervisors change their mind.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|