Officials of Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania revealed last week that they are putting the brakes on the planned Parx mini-casino on the Interstate 81 corridor in Shippensburg Township, and are exploring alternative sites for the Parx satellite casino.
The PennLive news site quoted multiple sources in saying the reason is concerns over recent geological testing at the site done by Parx parent Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment that raised concerns about sinkholes. The report said there also was concern about the mini-casino sharing an access road with tractor-trailers headed to a distribution center in the warehouse complex adjacent to the casino site.
“There were significant issues that developed with the original site,” Parx Chief Marketing Officer Marc Oppenheimer told PennLive. “We are currently working with the Shippensburg community and leaders to identify alternatives in the community.”
The Shippensburg site, a 10-acre tract just off Exit 29 of I-81, was one of several in the township that had been under consideration before township supervisors approved the current construction site. PennLive quoted anonymous sources who said the company is looking for sites within Shippensburg Township with similar proximity to the interstate.
Parx held a public hearing in Shippensburg earlier this year, but according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board rules, a change of location will require a second public hearing on the new site.
The Parx mini-casino is a Category 4 casino, created under Pennsylvania’s 2017 gaming expansion law. The mini-casinos must be linked to a current casino licensee, and are limited to 750 slots and an initial 30 table games, with a maximum of 40 tables, upon petition after opening.
