COLUMBUS, OH-Penn National Gaming has agreed in US District Court to allow the annexation of its site of the proposed Hollywood Casino-Columbus into the city. The Wyomissing, PA-based firm is building a $400 million casino on the site of the former Delphi Automotive Systems property, which is currently in neighboring Franklin Township.

A settlement agreement ends all litigation to do with the casino, including suits filed. According to a Penn statement, the settlement provides for approval of the annexation of the site near Georgesville Road and West Broad Street. Per the agreement, the city will provide water and sewer service to the property, as well as reimbursing Penn for $15 million in public purpose environmental and roadway improvements.

The agreement also stipulates the creation of a West Side Community Fund, whereas the company and the city will each contribute $2.5 million, annually for four years, to the surrounding neighborhood. The money will be used for economic development, job training, minority and small business outreach, additional infrastructure needs and support of charitable and civic organizations.  

The company wants to open the 300,000-square-foot casino by late 2012. State legislation in November 2009 allowed for four casinos in the state, and Penn is developing casinos in Columbus and Toledo. Rock Gaming LLC, based in Detroit, is developing casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Mayor Michael Coleman said in the statement that he’s pleased a deal could be worked out. “I look forward to fulfilling our promises of revitalizing the West Side,” he said. “I’m excited to work with Penn to ensure the casino is constructed on time and we begin the process of transforming this important neighborhood.”