OLD ORCHARD BEACH – A portion of a businessman’s plan to start a dinner and gambling cruise ship has won approval from town officials, but the proposal still faces public scrutiny at a hearing next week.

Paul Golzbein, co-owner of The Pier Leasing Co., wants to extend the Old Orchard Beach Pier another 400 feet into the ocean as part of his plan to offer activities such as a dinner theater, whale watching and sightseeing cruises.

Golzbein also wants to offer gambling cruises, which would take customers beyond the three-mile offshore limit for federal waters.

Golzbein said the project could expand the town’s property tax base and create up to 100 jobs.

“We have accepted the application as complete,” said Planning Board Chairman Robert Lopresti. “Now we need to get public input of what they want.”

Officials with The Pier Leasing Co. have agreed to build the boat specific to the town’s design.

“They are going along with whatever we say,” said Lopresti.

Safety was one of the biggest concerns of board members, Lopresti said, but Golzbein has alleviated their concerns.

“They seem to be guaranteeing everything and have presented everything we needed so far,” Lopresti said.

Last year, Golzbein added an offshore marina for parasailing, kayaking and banana boat rides. The new expansion would connect the pier to those rides and to the marina.

Town Councilor Sonia Simpson Gardner said she is all for the expansion, which she believes will attract more people to Old Orchard Beach.

“I think it will bring in a lot more tourists,” Gardner said. “It is nothing but a positive.”

The Planning Board has scheduled the public hearing for 7 p.m. July 12 in the Town Hall.