Sugarhouse Casino begins construction
Friday, October 9th, 2009
A large crowd gathered along the Delaware River in Philadelphia Thursday for the groundbreaking of the Sugarhouse Casino. But there was a big difference in those who stood on the site inside the fence, and those outside.
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Dozens of anti-casino protesters gathered on the sidewalk outside the construction site.
"Hey Hey Ho Ho this casino's got to go…"
Northern Liberties resident Stacey Harpster brought her infant daughter Orianna.
Casino protestors Stacey Harpster and her daughter Orianna
Harpster: It draws a certain clientele and a certain customer and with that can come other things and increased crime and there's also the possibility of increased traffic and just – it's more dangerous.
One by one, politicians and casino officials passed the protestors and drove in for the official groundbreaking.
…..including investor Neil Bluhm,
Bluhm: The vast majority of the area is in favor of this project. It's going to create jobs, tremendous tax revenue for the Commonwealth and for the city."
SugarHouse expects to open an Interim Casino in about 10 months.
Casino protestor
Money talks at the end… what a corrupt world we live in where we have to use sin and vice to make some money. Shame on these people who bring corruption to our neighborhoods. @Tom and @John… I'm with you 100% this will turn from a dream to a nightmare.
when will the casino open
Every casino built creates jobs for pawnshops owners and hookers.
Amen. Not to mention casinos in Philladelphia will bring New Yorkers to Philly for tourism. It's closer, nicer, and more accessible than Atlantic City.