Posted on 08/31/2010 10:44:42 AM PDT by greatdefender
GETTYSBURG, Pa. The town where the Civil War's tide-turning battle was waged is fighting dissension in its own ranks, with even hard-core preservationists split over a proposed casino that would rise near the historic battlefield and be named for the line that divided North and South.
It's the second time in five years that Gettysburg has fought over a plan to build a casino. This time it's the Mason Dixon Resort & Casino, proposed on a hotel and conference center site within a mile of the southern boundary of Gettysburg National Military Park.
"No Casino" and "Pro Casino" signs pepper shop windows in the quaint streets of Gettysburg, where more than a million tourists shop, dine or sleep each year.
Supporters say the casino plan doesn't tread on hallowed ground and will bring jobs, more tourists and tax relief to the area. But the potential that a casino will cheapen the wholesome reputation that draws tourists to Gettysburg, where 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought a three-day battle in the summer of 1863, is what worries many.
"It seems like a lot of people, they just want more business, they want more money to flow in the community at any cost, and that's really upsetting," said Barbara Schultz, a Gettysburg native and casino opponent who owns a bed and breakfast and collectibles gallery.
On Tuesday, casino principals, supporters and opponents will speak at a public meeting with state regulators who are considering the license application to build the casino. More than 390 people have registered to speak, meaning the hearing could spill into Wednesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
It is an outrage.
Next thing ya know, they’ll wanna build a freaking mosque at the 9/11 site.
(Wait - what?)
Confidential to casino proponents: have the architect pencil in a mosque and proceed full steam ahead. Don’t forget to play the intolerance card. /in the manner of Dear Abby
All the cheesy "ghost tours" etc. are bad enough.
Don't cheapen the legacy.
The southern boundary of the National Military Park is partially formed by Big Round Top.
The proposed casino is located "within a mile of the southern boundary" of the Park.
This casino will be easily visible from the battlefield.
It is an outrage but at least they are not naming it ‘The Devils Den’.
Why, they are just taking over an existing Hotel/Confrence center that has been there for many years.
That's very generous of you.
Those who died in America's wars certainly did so to enforce your right to have the casino site owners defer to to your aesthetic preferences.
What; does the United States not have ONE single place they can put this monstrosity other than on top of a historic battlefield? Honestly, there is no CLASS and no QUALITY left in the people of this country. It’s all about ME and how much money I can make. TRASH is as TRASH DOES !!!
Is nothing sacred???
First, a mosque at ground zero.
Now, a casino at Gettysburg.
What next? A whore house at the Tomb of the Unknowns? Satan worship at Independence Hall? Barack Obama in the White House?
I've walked a dozen more Civil War battlefields, too. The one that sticks in my mind the most is the foggy morning when I walked the path that II Corps took on the way to the Mule Shoe.
None of those walks changed my opinion that if you don't like what your neighbor is doing with his property, you should buy it from him.
Supporters say the casino plan doesn't tread on hallowed ground and will bring jobs, more tourists and tax relief to the area.
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