Dick Anagnost

Dick Anagnost, a principal of the proposed Conway Poker Room and Casino, listens at Thursday’s meeting of the Conway Planning Board, which later unanimously approved the site-plan application for the facility.

CONWAY — After showering the applicants with praise for transforming an eyesore property and addressing abutters’ concerns, the Planning Board voted unanimously last week to change the permitted use of a former grocery store on White Mountain Highway to allow a restaurant/bar with accessory charitable gaming.

The vote ended a contentious back-and-forth between the town and what will be known as the Conway Poker Room and Casino. The business is a partnership between Bedford developer Dick Anagnost, who currently owns and operates five other charitable gaming casinos in New Hampshire, and Stefan Huba.

Mark Hounsell

Mark Hounsell, a member of the Conway Planning Board, reads a statement at Thursday’s meeting in regard to the proposed Conway Poker Room and Casino.