The Steelers and the Pirates today filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court challenging the decision by the city planning commission to approve the master plan for the proposed North Shore casino.

But the Carnegie Science Center late today announced it had reached a tentative agreement with the casino and would not file an appeal at this point.

In a statement, Steelers President Art Rooney II said the team appealed because it believes the planning commission made "significant legal errors" in the May 29 decision approving the master plan.

"Our first duty is to protect the fans and visitors to Heinz Field. The master plan that was approved by the city planning commission fell short of the requirements under the city ordinance, which requires a master plan to demonstrate a safe environment and traffic mitigation measures. This work has not been done," Mr. Rooney said.

However, he added the Steelers were hopeful that recent discussions with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato's office and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office "may lead to a resolution of the complex traffic and parking issues" related to the casino.

"In the meantime, the appeal of the planning commission action is intended to ensure that the construction of the casino is accomplished without serious negative impacts to other North Shore visitors," the statement said.

In a separate statement, Pirates CEO Kevin McClatchy said the appeal is "intended to protect the interests of our fans and all visitors to the North Shore without compromising the progress of the casino."

Science center Director Joanna Haas said she and casino officials had resolved issues relating to school bus access and lighting in a marathon meeting today attended by city officials.

"We're confident and comfortable that we're moving in the right direction at this point," she said.

Under law, the appeal goes directly to the state Supreme Court as a means of expediting the litigation. Casino developer Don Barden is still awaiting word from the court as to whether he will retain the casino license after appeals by the two losing bidders.

A spokesman for Mr. Barden declined comment.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.