Asbestos delays opening of Maryland casino
The new Ocean Downs video slots casino was scheduled to open on Memorial Day 2010, but problems with the building site are causing delays in that timeline. Owner William Rickman sent a letter to the Maryland Video Lottery Location Commission on December 6 to describe how the track’s grandstand has been discovered to contain weak, aging steel beams, lead paint and asbestos. The building’s demolition has been stopped until these issues can be resolved, also halting new construction of the casino. Corrosion in the steel beams may require additional work to ensure that the support structures are strong enough. Lead paint on those beams must be analyzed for welding compatibility. Substantial amounts of asbestos were discovered, particularly in the roof, and the toxic substance must be abated by licensed asbestos professionals to ensure the safety of the workers. Ocean Downs is slated to house 800 slot machines in the footprint of the existing grandstand.
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