Gettysburg businessman David LeVan’s most recent proposal toward the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino project, is converting the Eisenhower Hotel and Conference Center, located just south of the Gettysburg battlefield, into a gaming resort with 600 slot machines and 50 table games. LeVan is now one of two principals in the Mason Dixon proposal.
A statement opposing the Mason Dixon Resort and Casino was released Monday by the Gettysburg Ministerium and signed by 66 local clergy. The Gettysburg Ministerium is a fellowship of clergy who meet monthly to discuss social ministry issues and mission and outreach projects. The Ministerium includes pastors and clergy from 15 different Christian denominations and churches in Gettysburg, York Springs, Bendersville, Fairfield, McSherrystown, East Berlin, Biglerville, Littlestown, McKnightstown and Hampton.
Declared in the statement from the Gettysburg Ministerium, "We oppose legalized gambling for ethical reasons, for reasons of economic justice and for the symbolic role that Gettysburg plays in our national life." The statement further reads, "We recognize and honor the significant role that Gettysburg has in our nation's history. We are concerned that a casino cheapens the memory and meaning of Gettysburg for those of us who live here as well as for the nation and the world."
Mason Dixon spokesman David La Torre responded to the statement by saying, "This is certainly not surprising and similar statements have been issued in other gaming jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania. The fact remains gaming is a legal industry that has created 1,200 jobs and provided billions of dollars to businesses of other goods and services they need. These same economic opportunities will be available to Adams County when Mason Dixon is licensed."
A report commissioned by Mason Dixon officials and released in March estimates the casino proposed for Adams County would invest $66 million into the local economy each year, generate as much as $37 million in annual state tax revenues and create 375 full-time jobs. But opponents, including the Gettysburg Ministerium, have argued about the accuracy of the figures.
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