COLUMBUS, Ohio -
Hollywood Casino Columbus administrators highlighted
their accomplishments and future plans near the six month anniversary of the
casino Thursday night.
Meanwhile, work crews were outside relaying utility lines
in hopes of future business.
"When the businesses see that there's an asset being
added to attract new customers to their area they going to get more and more
impetus behind this project and I think then you'll see it roll like a
tide" said Dewey Stokes, a former Franklin County Commissioner, and proponent
of west side growth.
There are plans for a rails-to-trails bike path and even
campgrounds behind the west side casino.
This summer, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge will be
installed over Interstate 270.
However, with the positive effects, there are also
negatives to the new casino.
There has also been an increase in crime because of the
casino; such as a winner of nearly $40,000 being robbed at gunpoint after
leaving the casino.
The tax revenue, while in the millions, is not as high as
projected during the campaign to approve it.
Area residents are seeing improvements to the area; but
the area has not completely turned around.
Promoters say: patience!
"By the end of this fall we will have W. Broad
Complete St. project done," said west side auto dealer, Chris Haydocy. "We will
have sidewalks landscape and everything needed to attract new business in here.
It is hoped by then that the casino will break ground on a 25 story
hotel."
"That's part of the process of revitalization," said
Vince Papsidero, with the city of Columbus. "It takes time the market has
changed but investments of the magnitude that we already have happened will
remove that quicker."
