Casino backers report that construction will be complete by spring

9/13/2011 | Construction Blog, Real Estate Blog

Legal issues can become important in any construction or development project. From the initial permitting process, to the completion of construction, experienced real estate attorneys are familiar with the many legal issues that can arise and potentially derail a project.

In certain types of construction and development projects, there are more legal hurdles than there are in other projects. For example, development involving oil, gas, minerals or other natural resources will often need to go through additional review by state and federal environmental agencies. Similarly, gambling establishments need to go through licensing reviews in addition to the standard construction permitting process.

According to a recent report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Valley Forge Casino Resort is closer to completion after a lengthy court battle, which delayed construction for about two years.

According to the developers involved in the project, construction on the casino and its 40,000-square-foot gaming floor is proceeding swiftly and the casino could open as early as spring of 2012.

Unlike many of Pennsylvania’s casinos, the Valley Forge Casino Resort will be licensed as a Category 3 resort casino. This classification will mean that only guests at the resort’s 486 rooms or users of the resort’s facilities will be able to gamble at the casino. It was this special license that led to a legal challenge from another local casino, holding up construction for two years. On Wednesday, The casino’s chief executive officer is expected to present a plan to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on the casino’s plan to limit access to the gaming floor.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer, “Valley Forge Casino Resort now set to open in the spring,” Suzette Parmley, Sept. 13, 2011