Pittsburgh Casino Breaks Ground Without City Approval

"Gentlemen start your engines," Barden proclaimed to heavy equipment operators. A dump truck, excavators, a bulldozer, and other construction vehicles were on the premises.

Ground Breaking ceremonies were held Tuesday at the site of a proposed casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The only problem is the city has not yet given their approval.

The city planning commission still must give the O.K. to plans for a $450 million casino. The casino is being built by Developer Don Barden. He owns five casinos already, but claims this will be the most extravagant.

The commission approval is basically a formality at this time. Building will begin immediately and the casino is projected to be open in April of 2009.

"Gentlemen start your engines," Barden proclaimed to heavy equipment operators. A dump truck, excavators, a bulldozer, and other construction vehicles were on the premises.

An amphitheatre will be featured on the property. Five restaurants will also be available once the project is complete. Of course, the main attraction will still be the 3,000 slot machines that the casino will hold.

The casino will have a 3,800 space garage that will, in height, be larger than the casino itself.

Las Vegas, Colorado, Mississippi, and Indiana are the other states where Barden owns casinos.