Stalled casino project could lead to more pedestrian friendly redesign

    With plans for Foxwoods Casino in South Philadelphia uncertain, city planning experts say they’re hopeful any alternative proposals might provide better access to the Delaware River.
    When Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn pulled out of the deal to rescue the stalled Foxwoods Casino in south Philadelphia, the investors expressed shock and dismay.

    With plans for Foxwoods Casino in South Philadelphia uncertain, city planning experts say they’re hopeful any alternative proposals might provide better access to the Delaware River.

    When Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn pulled out of the deal to rescue the stalled Foxwoods Casino in south Philadelphia, the investors expressed shock and dismay.

    But city planning advocates see an opportunity to have the site along the Delaware River conform to the civic vision.

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    Harris Steinberg is the director of Penn Praxis which spearheaded the process. Steinberg says the vision includes pedestrian access to the river and an active street life.

    Steinberg: It gives us a better shot at having a development which is consistent with the physical goals of the vision which is integrated with the city rather than divorced from the city like it looked like it would be.”

    Steinberg says the vision created design standards, but stayed neutral on the use of waterfront property.

    Steve Wynn pulled out of the project last week, just days after submitting plans to state gaming regulators. Foxwoods has to meet a deadline for submitting new financial and design plans by the end of this month. I

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