Spring Break
City passes casino zoning legislation
Alexandria Phillips
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: News
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter signed zoning legislation Nov. 16 that will consider the move of Foxwoods Casino from South Philadelphia to The Gallery in Center City.
"The two pieces of legislation represent the beginning of a process that we're going through," Luke Butler, deputy press secretary from the office of Mayor Nutter, said.
Foxwoods Casino currently has approval to build the casino on the Delaware River Waterfront in South Philadelphia, on a 16.5-acre vacant parcel of commercial land east of Christopher Columbus Boulevard between Tasker and Reed streets, according to its web site.
On Nov. 13, City Council approved bills that establish a commercial entertainment zone in the block bordered by Market, Filbert, 10th and 11th streets, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"The change in location will off course have direct opposing impacts on the two vicinities: The Gallery area will gain and the South Street area will lose, Shawkat Hammoudeh, a LeBow professor said.
Before signing two pieces of legislation, Nutter met with 15 individuals, all of whom are Chinatown leaders, on Nov.15, according to Butler. During the meeting, the leaders shared and discussed their concerns. Afterwards, Nutter assured them that the signing of the legislation is just the beginning of the process.
Foxwoods now needs to apply to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for permission to move the project from South Philadelphia to Center City and meet with the City Planning Commission.
Many living in the Chinatown area are in protest of the 3,000 slot-machine casino because of the significant change that potentially can occur. Hundreds of people marched to City Hall earlier this month and delivered 24,000 signatures to the Mayor's office, according to an article in the Daily News.
Conversely, supporters said that since the location has the advantage of being close to subway and regional rail lines, it would revitalize a commercial district with many empty buildings, and would help, not hurt, business in Chinatown, according to the Associated Press.
Councilman Frank DiCicco insisted that this was the beginning of a review process during the next six months, according to the Inquirer.
"There will be many more opportunities for discussion as we move forward," Butler said.
"The two pieces of legislation represent the beginning of a process that we're going through," Luke Butler, deputy press secretary from the office of Mayor Nutter, said.
Foxwoods Casino currently has approval to build the casino on the Delaware River Waterfront in South Philadelphia, on a 16.5-acre vacant parcel of commercial land east of Christopher Columbus Boulevard between Tasker and Reed streets, according to its web site.
On Nov. 13, City Council approved bills that establish a commercial entertainment zone in the block bordered by Market, Filbert, 10th and 11th streets, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
"The change in location will off course have direct opposing impacts on the two vicinities: The Gallery area will gain and the South Street area will lose, Shawkat Hammoudeh, a LeBow professor said.
Before signing two pieces of legislation, Nutter met with 15 individuals, all of whom are Chinatown leaders, on Nov.15, according to Butler. During the meeting, the leaders shared and discussed their concerns. Afterwards, Nutter assured them that the signing of the legislation is just the beginning of the process.
Foxwoods now needs to apply to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for permission to move the project from South Philadelphia to Center City and meet with the City Planning Commission.
Many living in the Chinatown area are in protest of the 3,000 slot-machine casino because of the significant change that potentially can occur. Hundreds of people marched to City Hall earlier this month and delivered 24,000 signatures to the Mayor's office, according to an article in the Daily News.
Conversely, supporters said that since the location has the advantage of being close to subway and regional rail lines, it would revitalize a commercial district with many empty buildings, and would help, not hurt, business in Chinatown, according to the Associated Press.
Councilman Frank DiCicco insisted that this was the beginning of a review process during the next six months, according to the Inquirer.
"There will be many more opportunities for discussion as we move forward," Butler said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Paul Boni
posted 11/21/08 @ 9:42 AM EST
For more information, please visit www.casinofreephila.org. When you visit, if you input your email address in the field in the top-right corner, you will receive information and updates about once every week or so. (Continued…)
misha
posted 11/21/08 @ 12:46 PM EST
I realise the objections, and the downside of a Gallery casino. The city is broke, so I think it's going in. Every day, people get on a bus to Atlantic City from here, and take about $100K each day from here and deposit it in AC. (Continued…)
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