Wharton officials OK development plan
?FARMINGTON — The Wharton Township supervisors on Monday gave conditional approval to the land development plan for the Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
Supervisors made their approval conditional on the township zoning hearing board’s (ZHB) approval of a variance for the height of building that would house the casino.
The resort withdrew its petition to the ZHB for a variance to build a large monument sign for the casino along Route 40.
Supervisor Jack Lewis said Nemacolin asked for conditional approval of the development plan so they could start converting the Wildside into the casino immediately after the ZHB approves the height variance.
The ZHB held a hearing on the variance requests two weeks ago. A decision is expected within 45 days of the hearing.
Nemacolin partnered with St. Louis, Mo.-based Isle of Capri Casinos to open the Lady Luck Casino.
Turning to an unrelated matter, Bill Denney of Global Geophysical Services Inc. of Hopwood said company crews will resume seismographic testing for underground gas and oil deposits in September.
He said vibration trucks will be used on roadways, but small explosive charges placed underground will be used in areas with steep terrain.
Crews will lay small explosive charges in a series of holes drilled 20 feet deep and use cables with sensors attached to record the return signal from the charges, he said.
Residents with questions can call Global at 724-437-7200.
In other business, the supervisors appointed Jim Nicholson as an alternative to the ZHB. Authorized solicitor Ricardo Cicconi to prepare an ordinance amendment needed to collect earned income taxes from non-residents. Reminded residents that they can still sign up for the YMCA day camp at Wharton Township Park. The camp costs $85 a week for YMCA members and $95 a week for non-members.