Penn National has agreed to the former Delphi Plant on Columbus’ economically depressed west side as an alternate site for their casino that was originally approved for the Arena District in last November’s elections.

There are still obstacles to overcome. A three fifths vote by the Ohio House and Senate is needed to get this issue on the May ballot. Legislators face a February 3 deadline to get the necessary votes. Then voters statewide must approving amending the constitution a second time to replace the Arena District site with this new location. The new site must then be annexed from Franklin Township because both Penn National and the City of Columbus want a casino within city limits. The new location also requires environmental cleanup as a former industrial site.

Meanwhile, Penn National will develop both sites until a definitive location has been determined. Officials want the casino up and running sometime in 2012.