Sugarhouse casino process souring relationship between city, state

By: Tom MacDonald

Philadelphia’s Mayor says the city is not the impediment to casino construction. The first construction permit is available to the Sugarhouse Casino immediately.

By: Tom MacDonald
tmacdonald@whyy.org

Philadelphia’s Mayor says the city is not the impediment to casino construction. The first construction permit is available to the Sugarhouse Casino immediately.

Transcript:
Casino construction would generate jobs in the city. Construction unions gave the mayor a letter saying let’s get started. Governor Rendell hinted that the process is taking too long.

After hearing his critics, Mayor Michael Nutter stood next to a mock permit for the Sugarhouse Casino’s foundation saying the city is ready to support casino construction in any way necessary.

Nutter: “Sugarhouse has told us that they can have a temporary structure in place by the end of this calendar year and we welcome that. We stand prepared to do everything it takes to make that temporary facility happen as quickly as possible.”

The mayor says the city will also work with Foxwoods to make their transition to the old Strawbridges building at 801 Market Street become reality.  A deal still hasn’t been finalized to lease the space.

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090313casino.mp3]