Station Square Casino Plan Backed

At a news conference July 20, the South Side Local Development Co. of Pittsburgh made known its support for the bid by Forest City Enterprises to build a casino at Station Square.

The support was offered following a deal struck with the non-profit group under which Forest City pledged to financially compensate the South Side group. Under the deal, the developer pledged to finance community-related programs and initiatives.

Forest City would be giving $150,000 a year for 10 years to the South Side group for community projects should it be awarded the casino license. If it doesn't it would still donate $50,000 for five years.

For their contributions, the developer will be eligible for tax credits of 70 percent under the Neighborhood Partnership Program, should the arrangement be approved by the state's Department of Community and Economic Development.

"This is not about money. We have not had our hand out. What we've done is said we want a seat at the table, because what we need to do is make sure our community is well represented, as it has been with SouthSide Works," Michael Healey, gaming work group chairman for the nonprofit group said.