Baltimore Casino Plan Expands

ABC2 News has learned that plans for a slots parlor in Baltimore are being expanded to include a possible entertainment district in South Baltimore.

The Baltimore City Entertainment Group has negotiated an agreement that would allow it to develop roughly 20 acres of land near M&T Bank stadium.

Michael Cryor, a partner with the group, says their development could include a jazz club, an improv theater, and maybe a bowling alley.

Cryor told ABC2 they hope to develop businesses that would attract people interested in something other that video lottery terminals.

Details of the new proposal were revealed for the first time at a community meeting Monday night at Digital Harbor High School.

The plans caught residents by surprise. Meredith Tyler of Federal Hill told ABC2 she had resigned herself to the slots.
She said the additional development and the possibility of an entertainment district are a concern.

Kim Clark, Vice President Baltimore Development Corporation, said she is confident the developers can come up with a master plan to satisfy their needs and the needs of the community.

Residents were also told the developer plans to have 3,750 video lottery terminals in place when the facility is expected to open December 31, 2010.

The city was originally told the slots parlor would open with 500 machines and expand gradually.

Several zoning changes are necessary to move the proposal forward. The legislation will be introduced to city council on Monday.