The grand opening of Mount Airy Casino Resort is scheduled for today October 22nd, 2007 and is bound to impact the Poconos significantly one way or another. It will make history as the first freestanding casino in Pennsylvania bringing additional attention and traffic to the area which is likely to help local businesses.Â
The Controversy
There is controversy over the fact that the money made will not be going back to the local area but instead is being used to cut Philadelphia’s wage tax and assist with horse racing. As a local myself I was hoping for a bit of a property tax cut as I’m sure many other people were. I think that at least something should be given back to the locals directly as they will be dealing with the increased traffic and other possible downfalls associated with the casino. Â
The Potential
There is the potential for the casino to impact the Poconos in a very positive way and set an example for the state – its my hopes that we see that happen. Some of the positives I forsee are additional jobs, new restaurants and the potential for local businesses to see increased sales.Â
It does start off on the wrong foot though when the owner is currently under investigation for possibly lying about his connections, or lack there of, with organized crime. Yikes! This issue is just dripping with controversy on all sides, I just hope people can be civil and work towards making this a positive for the community.Â
The Reality
As of today, the casino becomes a reality so we should try to make this a great opportunity for the Poconos whether we support it or not. We are likely to see more casinos pop up in the area soon enough, so do you think that this will change the way that we live in the Poconos forever? Or is it just a big story today and ‘just another casino’ tomorrow. Â
Past and Present
Mount Airy has already made an impression on the past and has added to the history and intrigue that the Poconos has today.  I’ve included some past and present links for your enjoyment.
Present:
Mount Airy Casino Resort Official Site
September 2007 Video of Construction from PoconoPreview.com(YouTube)
Past:
Mount Airy is auctioned off(article)
Previous owner commits suicide(article)
1979 Mount Airy Commercial(YouTube)
The video mentions Pocono Gardens which I believe is the scary run down place a couple blocks away from Mount Airy that has recently been knocked down in sections.
So so many pro’s and con’s to mention about this place.
As a “local” I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the pro’s will out weigh the cons.
Speaking about the actual construction itself though, WOW! The place is to die for. They did a great job on the look of it and controlling the flow of the traffic. Great HUGE parking lots, with shuttle bus’s. Easy access to the building. Awesome landscaping, and hundreds of jobs for people in the area.
I hope that everything works out for the better and that the community see’s and gets something back in return.
** Check back for updated pictures of the buildings and landscaping **
you know with all the twists has anyone ever considered looking at rendall or the system in general who gave the slot license in the first place. Placing one on a harness board with ties to illegal indian reservation gambling. and family who where in politics as well who found contraband in a rental associated with his office found not to be his. did attny conaboy know the likes of this forum that governor rendall formed? maybe they all should be looked into for organized crime not only denaples.
we hah our honey moon in the pocono gardents
I’m pretty sure it’s not more then just rubble these days.