More Reasons Not to Build a Casino at Gettysburg

I agree totally with Tanya Wagner above. I can also relate to the ghost town imagry, however, we have a zillion dollar name here: not likely to occur if we, pardon the pun, play the cards right! The conversations of WHAT to do vs just saying no have abounded since DAY 1. Jobs are very important; even if you remove the bias' against gambling from the moral standpoint, we would STILL be lopsided economically through further dependence on disposable dollars, entertainment dollars which in these times is a pretty flaky. Worse, the target demographic for this type of casino happens to fit our entire countywide 21 and over population and I'd submit the population of the majority of the bordering Maryland Counties. The gambling industry does present opportunity for people to do harm to themselves and those dependent upon them or close to them. I believe we can develop this area gently and profitably with non-tourism related employment and tax collection opportunities. Let us make better what we have! A couple of million would provide the Eisenhower Inn and Conference Center with needed infrastructure replacements, a revamp of amenities and get them well on their way to being a remarkable, beautiful, competitive and profitable family and couples business/corporate resort...without a casino. Without making Gettysburg a place that some people will revile because that's where daddy or mommy blew the mortgage payment after a few cocktails and a whim. I want jobs for Adams County and Cumberland Township....but not at the expense of the potential lot by lot destruction of our little neighborhood - the area formerly known as the Village of Greenmount. Commercialize gently for the long term.. no high density mish mash ticky tacky. Kind of a gateway community premise on all roads leading to this battlefield and lovely town known as Gettysburg with a balance of beneficial and responsible businesses that work in harmony with residential and agricultural life. I can see physical structures with architectural designs and materials/land use that enhance the natural beauty and rural feel of the area with harm to none. Profit, opportunity and intrisic benefit for all and dignity for our battlefield. We can break molds here, together, and set the example for other towns/areas high profile or anywhere USA. I live here, a 1/2 block away from the entrance - this is my home, dinky and handhewn as it is but its ours. I don't own a mansion or a yacht...my home isn't protected by NPS land like Mr. Levans. I'll be working until I take the final dirt nap. I speak out not just for the battlefield but for regular folks who get pounded out like burgers in the face of aggressive development: sell out or be squeezed out - give up and shut up.

Stephanie Mendenhall of PA 9:13AM September 29, 2010