Columbus in Casino Pact

The Columbus City Council Monday approved legislation that advances a plan for a $400 million casino based in the city.

The legislation formalizes a settlement between the city and casino developers Penn National Gaming Inc. to end a federal lawsuit the developers brought against Columbus and Franklin County for denying water and sewer services to the planned casino site. 

The agreement reached Monday annexes the casino site into the city’s west side. The District Court for the Southern District of Ohio must approve the agreement.

Supporters say the new gambling attraction will bring 3,500 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs to the area. The facility is expected to open by the end of next year.

“This agreement secures annexation of the casino site into the city and with that annexation, the chance to create thousands of jobs and new businesses on the west side,” council member Zachary Klein, chairman of the development committee, said in a statement after Monday night’s vote.

“We look forward to the site being a catalyst for growth in the region and a benefit to the entire city,” he said.

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