Steve Wynn to present new Foxwoods casino plan to regulators
Billionaire casino developer Steve Wynn will be in Harrisburg today explaining to state regulators why he thinks he can get the long-delayed Foxwoods casino up and running in south Philadelphia. Foxwoods is paying daily fines for its failure to get the project moving.
Both neighborhood opposition and the recession stalled construction of the Foxwoods casino along the Delaware River waterfront. The Native American tribe that was a Foxwoods partner backed out, leaving investors searching for a financial life line. They found one in Las Vegas casino operator Steve Wynn.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Board wants to know why Foxwoods keeps missing design and construction deadlines.
Rene Goodwin is on the board of Pennsport Civic Association, which opposes any casino at that site in south Philadelphia.
Goodwin: The problems haven’t gone away whether its Steve Wynn, or Donald Trump, or Joe Blow. The problems are site inherent.
Goodwin says traffic is the main problem.
The Gaming Control Board has threatened to take away Foxwood’s license if they don’t come up with a plan for development and a way to pay for it.
In a conference call with investors last week, Steve Wynn said the plan would not include a hotel that could accommodate out-of-towners. Instead, Wynn said he wants to focus on attracting local gamblers.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.