Redacted version of Mount Airy's casino application reveals plans for slots, buffet, sports bar and more possibly as soon as late 2019

BIG BEAVER — More details about a proposed mini-casino are emerging as the state Gaming Control Board released Mount Airy's casino application in advance of next week's public hearing.

Monroe County-based Mount Airy Casino plans to open a mini-casino with 750 slot machines at the intersection of Fairlane Boulevard and Shenango Road in Big Beaver as soon as late 2019. According to the application submitted to the state Gaming Control Board, the first phase of the casino will feature a 225-plus seat buffet, a three-venue food court, a sports bar and restaurant that seats at least 125 people and a coffee outlet. The casino would also feature 30 table games at opening, with an expansion to 40 planned.

The 434-page application is designed to give gaming officials a starting point for its background investigation before officially awarding a casino license. Richard McGarvey, a spokesman for the board, said the process has been typical so far — at least, as typical as a new process can be. Mount Airy's application is just the second the board has reviewed for a mini-casino.

"We're still feeling our way through the process," McGarvey said. "It's not as time-consuming (as a traditional casino license); we're already aware of most of the individuals involved with the project. We don't have to start from ground zero, which helps along with the investigation."

Like all casino applications, portions of Mount Airy's application dealing with private financial information were redacted. McGarvey said the investigation is typical of any casino applicant.

"We have to do background checks on everyone involved," he said. "We're looking at their criminal history, financial history and regulatory history. Is their financing in order? How will this project be financed and is it feasible?

"We want to know, 'Can it be done?' "

The application includes a third-party report that addresses how the casino will impact the area. Infrastructure is in place to handle utilities such as gas, electric, water and sewage, according to the report prepared by Labella Associates, a Rochester, N.Y.-based planning firm.

A traffic study submitted suggests that because of the location's proximity to major highways, there won't be a negative impact from traffic. As for public transportation, there currently is one stop in the borough. Casino officials said the county commissioners, which appoints the Beaver County Transit Authority Board, would be willing to request the authority consider adding additional stops in Big Beaver.

Mount Airy officials will present their plans at a public hearing at the Big Beaver fire station along Friendship Road at 1 p.m. Dec. 4. The public is encouraged to sign up to speak, but must do so in advance through the gaming control board's website.

As of Monday, four individuals had signed up to speak, McGarvey said. They are: John Goberish, speaking on behalf of the workforce and continuing education division at the Community College of Beaver County; Bradley Wetzel, speaking as an individual in support of the licensure; Larry Nelson, speaking on behalf of Beaver County Building Trades; and county Commissioner Chairman Daniel Camp.

Camp said he will be speaking in favor of the casino, not only because of the "family-sustaining jobs" it will bring to the county, but also because he has had several constituents reach out and ask him to advocate for the development. Early estimates from Mount Airy indicate the casino could bring as many as 600 to 800 permanent full-time jobs and at least 300 construction jobs.

"Several local residents have reached out to me in support of it and wanted me to be there as their voice of support," Camp said. "I think it's my responsibility to be there to support it, both professionally and personally."

Following Tuesday's public hearing and the completion of the board's investigation, a final public meeting will be held in Harrisburg for the board to make a final decision. McGarvey said it's another opportunity for the gaming control board to ask casino officials any final questions.

McGarvey said that meeting will occur sometime in 2019.