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While residents Thursday night in South Middleton Township were offering reasons why they don't want a mini-casino in their backyard, another vociferous group packed a public hearing in Springettsbury Township, York County, to express similar sentiments.

Penn National Gaming is considering sites in four communities in York County to put a mini-casino, including the first floor of the Sears building at the York Galleria mall, township solicitor Charles Rauch said. That store is closing soon.

Township officials proposed changes to its ordinances, according to a story on ydr.com, that would set standards for a mini-casino that could possibly move into the township and with the anticipated redevelopment of the mall in mind.

Many who attended expressed the same worries that the group in South Middleton Township did that night: an increase in crime, a drop in property values, and its proximity to schools and a playground.

In both cases the townships originally opted out and since have changed their mind and opted in.

Eventually, Springettsbury Township officials did make some changes to its ordinances, including regulations for casinos, such as allowing them in the commercial highway zone, which includes the mall.

Penn National Gaming has until Sept. 12 to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to open a mini-casino in York County, ydr.com said.