Sugarhouse gets the go ahead
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has voted unanimously to grant Sugarhouse Casino an extension to build on the Delaware River waterfront. Those opposing the grant have been vocal.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has voted unanimously to grant Sugarhouse Casino an extension to build on the Delaware River waterfront. A hearing yesterday in downtown Philadelphia was packed with their union supporters but casino opponents spoke out against the slots parlor.
Listen: [audio: 090506spcasino.mp3]
Sugarhouse promised jobs, access to the waterfront, and millions of dollars of revenue pouring into the city’s dwindling coffers. They read letters of support from Mayor Nutter, Councilman Frank DiCicco and State Representative Dwight Evans.
But about a dozen residents spoke out against the project, including Micah Gold-Markel.
Gold-Markel: Now we are being told gamble, gamble, gamble. And that is not the way to go. Yes, it will create some short term jobs, that’s undeniable folks, but we can create long term jobs by smart development on the waterfront.
Sugarhouse told the Gaming board they’re confident they will get the necessary financing to build an interim casino with 1700 slots, scheduled to open by 2010.
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