Jun 9, 2011 By Steve Ferris 3 min read

?FARMINGTON — The Wharton Township zoning hearing board will issue a ruling in 45 days on Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s petition for building height and signage variances for the Lady Luck Casino.

A representative of St. Louis, Mo.- based Isle of Capri Casinos, which is Nemacolin’s partner in the casino venture, outlined plans to convert The Wildside into the casino and explained the request for the variances for the height of a two-story, 7,500-square foot addition and for a 41-foot-tall sign along Route 40.

Richard “Dick” Meister, Isle of Capri’s vice president of design and construction, said there would be three additions to the building and the two-story addition would contain office space for state Gaming Control Board, state police and casino administration.

The existing building measures 50,751 square feet and the additions would enlarge it to 73,894 square feet, he said.

The current height of the east side of the building, where the two-story addition would be built, is 40 feet 2 inches at the parapet.

Part of the addition would be 41 feet 8 inches, but the part where the required stair tower would be located is 48 feet 2 inches high, Meister said.

Two signs would be placed on the building in addition to the proposed 41-foot monument sign, which would be made of stone and wood, and include an electronic reader board, he said.

The monument sign is 23 feet 6 inches taller and 250 square feet larger than the township zoning ordinance allows, Meister said.

Responding to questions from board members, Meister said the height of the sign is needed to direct traffic into the casino and to make it visible in the hilly topography of the area.

Board member Lawrence “Gus” Rossi pointed out that The Wildside and Woodlands Outdoor World, the first business to occupy the building, were successful with smaller signs.

Meister said the state’s gaming law requires the casino at resorts to be clearly marked and the proposed sign would mark the casino and its entrance on Route 40.

“You want to let people know the casino’s there,” Meister said.

John Rohlf, another board member, said trees on Nemacolin’s property could be cut down to provide a better view of the sign and building.

Leaving trees standing helps the building blend in with its wooded surroundings, Meister said.

A stream on the east side of the building limits the size of the addition, Meister said, noting that a rule that went into effect in November prohibits construction within 150 feet of a stream.

The location of the stream resulted in locating the casino’s human resources office to a different location on the resort property, he said.

Board Chairman Thomas Baxter said a decision would be issued withing the required 45 days.