Developer proposes racetrack

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 | 10:03 a.m.

PITTSBURGH -- A developer wants to build a thoroughbred horse racing track not far from downtown Pittsburgh, saying it could also be home to thousands of slot machines if they are approved by the Legislature.

Charles J. Betters, a Beaver County developer who expressed interest in riverboat casinos along the Ohio River in the mid-1990s, said Tuesday he has filed an application for Pennsylvania's last remaining thoroughbred racing license with the state Horse Racing Commission.

There are at least four other companies seeking the remaining license -- including Magna Entertainment, which owns a harness racing track in Washington County and wants to build a new thoroughbred track near Pittsburgh International Airport. Competition is also keen for two remaining harness track licenses.

Betters said he wants to add slot machines at his proposed track, which would be located on a 635-acre site overlooking the Monongahela River about four miles from downtown Pittsburgh.