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While casino opponents are rejoicing at the news, it’s far from a done deal. However, Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia has said it would "consider" alternate sites to Columbus Boulevard and Reed Street to build its slots parlor.
Foxwoods officials made the announcement at an Aug. 21 meeting with Gov. Ed Rendell, Mayor Michael Nutter, state Sen. Vince Fumo and state Rep. Dwight Evans.
The Center City meeting was the result of an April 30 proposal by Fumo, Evans and state Reps. Bill Keller and Mike O’Brien to find new locations for the city’s slots parlors, which also includes SugarHouse in the Fishtown section; Fumo introduced his proposal in the Senate, the latter two in the House.
Foxwoods released a lengthy statement after the meeting that read in part, "We have remained open to others’ responsible ideas, suggestions and concerns and have examined many alternatives to improve the value we will bring to the city and the state. We have shared with city and state officials the obstacles that resisting would entail. Following those discussions we have agreed, in principle, to consider other alternative sites and ways that we can mutually overcome those obstacles. We are committed to continuing those discussions, while preserving our rights to the South Columbus Boulevard site."
The state cannot force casino operators to whom it has granted licenses to relocate; any decision to do so is solely up to the casinos. Casino-Free Philadelphia spokeswoman Lily Cavanaugh said opponents are cautiously optimistic.
"This is a step in the right direction, however, it is just the beginning. Although [Casino-Free Philadelphia] believes casinos do not belong in Philadelphia, we have made it clear that any resisting process must follow these four principles: One, the resisting process must be fair, transparent and inclusive; Two, casinos cannot be built in or near any neighborhood; Three, any resisting process must consider the ‘no site’ alternative; Four, casino companies are not to receive bailouts."
