This morning, Sainato said he contacted Centaur officials early today.

’I was told their negotiations are continuing,’ he said, adding, ’Speculation does not help. We must let them work things out and hope a satisfactory resolution is reached.’

Sainato said he is confident that things will work out.

’From the start we’ve said this is a great project, a great location. If a lender looks at this, they will see it is a great investment.’

Centaur officials did not return phone calls this morning.

GAMING COMMISSION’S POSITION

Richard McGarvey of the state Gaming Commission today said he has read the stories of Centaur’s dire financial future.

’But we have received no notice that Centaur has withdrawn its application,’ he said. ’Right now, as far as we are concerned, everything is proceeding.’

McGarvey recalled that at the commission’s July 10 meeting, Centaur reiterated statements made at the May meeting held in Mahoning Township, that its funding could be in jeopardy if a conditional license was not awarded by July 15.

McGarvey said the commission, at the request of Pittsburgh developer Don Barden, scheduled special meetings to consider changes he proposed with his project.

’But the board did not ask him to come in to talk about his finances.’

McGarvey said the investigation in continuing.

’We’ve said all along that by this fall we would complete the investigation, hold a suitability hearing and based on our findings may award a license. That is still our schedule.’

Mahoning township Supervisor Francis ’Poncho’ Exposito said he has not spoken with Centaur officials recently but ’as far as I know, they are still working on their financing. I hope they get the money they need.’

Mahoning Township’s development plans ’will be greatly affected’ if the developer pulls out, he said.