Racino??

[escapeman]

From what I understand the propossed track location is on a parcel of land near the intersection or routes 22 and 219 in Cambria Township.   

[Mr.Johnstown]

Rural Johnstown.  Johnstown Wings + Johnstown Casino ... Ebensburg is becoming Johnstown's outskirts.

[RobinQuillonsHair]

The Ebensburg airport would make a nice race track.

[madmax]

Rural Johnstown.  Johnstown Wings + Johnstown Casino ... Ebensburg is becoming Johnstown's outskirts.

It's a 'bedroom community' or the other way around, if you know what i mean.

[Mr.Johnstown]

Sure do.  I remember ... Wozniak maybe? ... talking year ago about a high speed train across PA and Johnstown becoming more of a bedroom community for Pittsburgh.  No high speed train yet, no inflatable dam yet. 

[redcap]

High speed train?  You sure that wasn't whatfreedom? 

[Jehovahsman]

This may very well come to pass. For the past 5 years I have beating the bushes and trying to convince investors to consider a multi-use racetrack in the area. I have been pushing a harness/thoroughbred/dog racing track for the 219 and 22 intersection area of ebensburg. My proposal also had a waterpark, go kart track, and hotel. The track was designed to be able to host concerts and shows like rodeos and motocross events. I wasn't pushing a convention center though. The estimated cost of my plan was way less than 200 million. I also included a equine and dog hospital. As well as a horseshoeing school because that trade is so much in demand.
I spent several days putting an estimate together,and I made it high-end on purpose so it could be sure to come in under budget.
My estimate was under 75 million. That includes 25 million to purchase and clear land. Casinos are hurting all over America, especially Las Vegas. So I never planned a casino or convention center. I always heard the same things from venture capitalists- PA. isn't politically,business, or tax friendly. I even tried Japanese and Chinese investors. I had a guy in California sold on the project, but he invested in a process that manufactures paper without wood pulp. I'm still in touch with him all the time, he is still lovin it. He has investments in production companies as well. He made his fortune investing in media productions and wheat farming.
Don't think a racetrak is pie in the sky, it's a very real possibility. But the idea of a casino makes me a little suspicious about how well informed this guy is. And a convention center seems to be a bad idea as well. Penn National would invest some money in the track if someone else comes forward to finance perimeter projects. I'm sure of it. I've spoken to Penn National big shots on several occassions. Those guys are sharp and looking to expand their horizons.
I was recently in Vegas and Montana, Both states have casino gambling. Casinos are dead. Nobody plays anything but texas hold em.

[tigersucs]

Rural Johnstown.  Johnstown Wings + Johnstown Casino ... Ebensburg is becoming Johnstown's outskirts.

The Johnstown Wings will not happen.  Again look up 'Jim Cashman, hockey' on google and see what I mean.  This guy is about as bad as the indoor football people who tried hockey in Indiana which Cashman is also trying.  I have been talking to several people who are in the know and they had 2 tryouts with a total of 3 participants(2 at the first and 1 at the second).  They want $9000 to play from what I understand.  The Wheeling games are going to be the only hockey we see in this area besides high school and UPJ this season.  I would be surprised if they even have the puck orders filled much less the football ones.  Not trying to be negative here but Cashman has had leagues in the past few years that haven't even made it past a few months.  Also very skeptical about the football seeing how it is based out of Canton, OH where none other than one Andrew Haines hails from.   

As for a casino/track location I could see the old Mine Worker's Credit Union property off Beluah Road as a possibility.  The only thing there is what does the airport do.  Haven't they been trying to sell that for a few years now.

[tigersucs]

BTW Chip before you do decide to denounce this in your local rag please have your people do some homework.  I have and these guys are nothing more than bottom feeders in the sports world who will do anything to make a few bucks then bolt when they are called out.

[Mr.Johnstown]

My point had nothing to do with whether or not there will defnitely be the Wings or how long they will last - it had to do with the naming of the team the JOHSNTOWN Wings when they are scheduled to play in EBENSBURG.

[The Rock]

it had to do with the naming of the team the JOHNSTOWN Wings

[Mr.Johnstown]

Damn.  And a red pepper thrown in, to boot.

[Cobnobuler]

So really, even if were to happen which is a stretch, it would do little or nothing for "Johnstown", employment notwithstanding?

[Mr.Johnstown]

http://www.wjactv.com/news/24704151/detail.html

200 acres of land - that narrows it down a bit and takes the Point Stadium out of the running 

[Mr.Johnstown]

"Greater Johnstown" region ... how far out does that go?  Ebensburg?  Windber?  Armaugh?  I'd say anything within 15-20 miles.