Work To Continue On Arundel Mills Casino
HANOVER, Md. (WJZ) -- What had been the latest roadblock to slots at Arundel Mills may turn out to be the last. A settlement has kicked it out of court.
Alex DeMetrick reports that's kicked off a rush for jobs.
From the workers who will move the first ground and those who install the first slot machines, the parking lot at Arundel Mills Mall and the slots casino coming there is an economic promised land.
"It's about creating jobs," said Louis, a slots supporter.
"Construction jobs down to the suppliers, down to the vendors--there's so many people who depend upon a job like this," said Greg Yablonski, United Rental.
Those who want a part of that work showed up for a briefing by the Cordish Company, which outlined the jobs to be bid on and the paperwork to get started.
"It's an opportunity for businesses to get involved at the beginning of the project. It will do a lot for the growth and development of small businesses within the state of Maryland," said Richard Hart, T&E Global Equipment.
"I think there's a huge opportunity," said Sarah Ellison, PEI Staffing. "Not only is it wonderful for all the candidates that we have in this area, who have been unemployed and are really strong workers, but it's great to see it's going to improve our economy as well."
And it's starting soon. A representative said the casino is looking to open sometime next year--despite a delaying action by opponents who fought it at the county level, then at the state Court of Appeals, and finally at the ballot box, where the casino and developer David Cordish won.
But no sooner had the first ceremonial ground been broken, opponents secured a new injunction to stop construction.
But the latest court challenge to this project was dropped when the developer agreed to more stop lights and road improvements. So as of now, it's a green light for the casino and those hoping to be part of it.
"This is something that I really think is going to help the state in general, bringing in the money that can help get people back on their feet," Yablonski said.
Now the chase for a piece of that prize is on.
Besides the money jobs will generate, the Cordish Company estimates the slots casino will also bring millions to Maryland in revenue.
