COLUMBUS, Ohio -- NBC 4 has learned that Penn National has made a decision on the location of the casino approved by voters in November.
The company is expected to announce the alternate site on the city's west side Tuesday -- likely the former Delphi plant, sources said.
The developer was reportedly considering the location, along with the Westland Mall as alternate sites than the Arena District.
Advocates in the area near the intersection of West Broad Street and Georgesville Road argue that they have been neglected by private developers for decades and need the economic boost. With close access to Interstates 270 and 70, they contend that they have the transportation infrastructure in place to support a popular casino, and room to grow. But annexation issues between Franklin Township, where the sites sit, and the city of Columbus could pose a challenge.
State lawmakers need the decision shortly in order to begin the legislative process for a state constitutional amendment.
The House and Senate both intend to hold three hearings on the matter before voting on whether to place the change on the May ballot. The deadline to do so is February 3.
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