Warren County Commissioners approved plans on Monday for the $175 million new racetrack and casino facility just off of Interstate 75 in Turtlecreek Township, near the intersection of Ohio 63 and Union Road.

The racino is owned by Miami Valley Gaming and Racing, LLC, a joint venture of Delaware North Companies Gaming and Entertainment and Churchill Downs, Inc.

The racino would bring a total of 750 jobs to the county, including 450 full time jobs. The facility will include a 5/8 miles harness racing track with an enclosed grandstand that seats 400, 2,500 video lottery terminals inside an 186,000-square-foot building which will include several eating facilities, and a horse paddock for between 85 and 125 horses.

Officials from Miami Valley Gaming and Racing said they would like to start construction in early or mid-December, with a goal of a grand opening in January 2014. However before the construction plans can be pursued, the company needs to complete the purchase of the 120 acres the facility is to be sited and receive approval from the states’ gambling and lottery commissions to transfer the Lebanon Raceway’s gambling license to the new facility.

Much to their surprise, the county commissioners have not heard one voice of opposition to the overall project. In fact, the only real point of controversy between the commissioners and racino owners was regarding the size of the sign. Miami Valley Gaming and Racing originally requested a 200-foot sign, but eventually compromised with commissioners and agreed upon a 100-foot sign with 1,500-square-foot LED displays.

In order to pay for the necessary upgrades to the roads and infrastructure, Miami Valley Gaming and Racing must work out a financial compensation package with county officials. Additionally, the city of Monroe and Turtlecreek Township are negotiating a Joint Economic Development District around the racino in order to pay for municipal services to the area, and will possibly include the implementation of a winnings tax on racino gamblers.

The new facility is a “tax advantage to our school district and county” due to the fact that the 120-acre area previously generated zero tax base, said Warren County Commissioner Pat South.

Source: Middletown Journal