Nearly $700 million is generated annually in Erie County from tourism, yet some longtime local residents remain unconvinced of the economic impact of Erie as tourist destination. No matter. Some people will never be convinced.
What's seems more important at the moment is the continued refusal of Ohio voters to give legalized gambling a thumbs up. Officials at Thistledown, Cleveland's longtime thoroughbred race track, are complaining that they could lose their top horse people to "The news track in Erie."
It's because the promise of profits generated at the casino part of Presque Isle Downs & Casino will significantly bolster purses at the race track, which is scheduled to open this fall. As John Guerriero noted in his page 1 story in today's Erie Times-News, revenue from the casino will only add to those significant tourism dollars for Erie.
John Oliver, president of the Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, points out in the article that the casino will increase the desirability of Erie as a vacation spot. Picture, if you will, a family of four spending a vacation at Presque Isle in the summertime. Now, after enjoying their days at the beach, they can take in an Erie SeaWolves baseball game, visit the Erie Zoo, and enjoy concerts, plays, or take in a little action at the racino, which is shorthand for the race track and casino.
Indeed, there's a lot more to enjoy here than Erie's critics would have us believe. Kids and adults love Waldameer Park, Splash Lagoon, Eriez Speedway and Lake Erie Speedway, numerous historical sites around town, etc., etc.
Yes, there will probably be a downside to the racino, but, at the moment, with 650 employees and the promise of spinoff business from Presque Isle Downs & Casino, the upside looks pretty good.
An example, as Guerriero notes in a sidebar story to today's main coverage, is the recent decision by Ray Travaglini, of Travaglini Enterprises, to buy the Quality Inn and Suites and the Super 8 Motel near the racino for just under $6.
At one time in the not-so-distant past, the former Holiday Inn South was a very nice motel. It fell into disrepair in recent years, but Travaglini said he will remodel the two properties within the next six months.
Frank Ferraro, who owns the Country Tavern at 8107 Perry Highway, said his property, which covers nearly 5 acres, is listed for sale at $3.9 million. Ferraro said that business at the tavern, bolstered by the construction workers at the casino and race track projects, has been good. "I'm anticipating that probably a hotel or a big chain restaurant will eventually give me the right offer to buy me out," Ferraro said.
So, where will all the people come to play the games at the racino? Our friends in Ohio are already knocking on the doors of bus companies. There's already gambling places in New York and West Virginia, but Erie's Ohio neighbors can't wait to test their luck in Erie. The next few months should be quite exciting here.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is due to open for business on Feb. 28.
-- Kevin Cuneo
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