Barden Unveils Pittsburgh Casino Construction Timetable

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "If everything breaks his way, Don Barden hopes to start construction of his $435 million North Shore casino next month.

"The
  timetable, discussed yesterday at a city planning commission meeting, is contingent on a favorable ruling from the state Supreme Court upholding the award of the Pittsburgh casino license to Mr. Barden's company, PITG Gaming LLC.

"It also is predicated on approval by the planning commission of the casino's foundation and steel work, which will be the subject of a public hearing July 24, with a vote scheduled for Aug. 7.

"But if Mr. Barden gets favorable verdicts on both, he plans to move quickly on construction. His goal is to have the casino finished in 14 to 16 months.

"...The ambitious construction schedule means the slot machine casino would be completed in October or December 2008. After winning the city's lone slots license last December, Mr. Barden had hoped to open the casino in March 2008.

"That timetable was pushed back, however, as Mr. Barden and the two losing bidders, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. and Station Square Gaming, await a ruling from the Supreme Court.."