Penn National Gaming closes on Toledo Casino site in Ohio

"Closing on the property moves us a major step closer to making Hollywood Casino Toledo a reality," said Eric Schippers, senior vice president of Penn National. "We're eager to move forward and excited that this project will bring thousands of construction and permanent jobs to the Toledo area, as well as tens of millions of dollars for the city of Toledo as well as all of the counties and school districts in Northwest Ohio."

Penn National has designated Kenneth Schultz, Vice President of Design and Construction, to lead its development efforts on the ground in Toledo and the company announced two new additions to its Toledo team: Local attorney Richard Mitchell of Mitchell Law LLC, will serve as legal counsel, primarily focusing on employment and real estate matters. The company's legal team also includes former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas of Crabbe, Brown & James LLP of Columbus. Douglas served as Penn National's legal and political advisor for Northwest Ohio during the Issue 3 campaign, and will continue to serve in that capacity during the development of the casino.

After working closely with the NAACP in Toledo, Penn National has named Jay Black as its diversity consultant for Hollywood Casino Toledo. Black will assist in developing a comprehensive diversity plan to ensure that the project and the casino's workforce is inclusive and reflects the diverse nature of the community.

The Miami Street site was purchased by Toledo Gaming Ventures, an Ohio corporation established by Penn National, from River Road Development, which acquired the property in 2006. River Road used a Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund grant and a matching grant from the city of Toledo to perform environmental remediation on the site. In February 2009, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approved the completed remediation, clearing the way for redevelopment.