Pocono News Section

Mount Airy CEO Discusses Delays

Mount Airy CEO Discusses Delays - Friday, October 12, 2007 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Oct 12, 2007 @06:15pm EST
PARADISE TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY- Managers at the Mount Airy Resort Casino planned to open Monday -- but all bets are off until the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approves a few more things.

The board has to sign off on Mount Airy's Independent Audit Committee -- and it has to license the company that will manage Mount Airy's counting equipment.

Mount Air CEO Joseph D'Amato said, "Realistically you have to work very cooperatively with the gaming board and that's been our intention since we started this project."

"While Mount Airy waits for the go ahead from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board there's still plenty of work to do. Employees are being trained and work on the hotel continues."

"We're doing more training and polishing the place up,” added D’Amato.

Hundreds of employees were scheduled to work at Mount Airy Monday. They will still have to report to work for training - and they will be paid. D'Amato doesn't want the delayed opening to impact his staff. And officials don't expect the delay to cause any disruption in Paradise Township plans.

Nearby businesses managers are also staying positive. Steve Ertle of Big Daddy's Restaurant - just down the street from Mount Airy - still bets the casino resort will benefit his business.

"A week or so delayed - not a big deal 'cause we know in the long run we're gonna be here and they're gonna be here - and that's what's exciting," said Ertle.

Mount Airy officials tell us they are ready to open as soon as the gaming board - grants approval. ”I think we're both on the same path and the same objective - to get the place open," added D’Amato.