Philadelphia, August 28 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter has issued this statement following today’s Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board decision:
I am disappointed by today’s ruling. My Administration has been working diligently with both Foxwoods and Sugarhouse over the last year and today’s news is a step backwards.
I support having two casinos opened in Philadelphia but the location of these facilities remains critically important. I have supported the Foxwoods casino at the 8th and Market site not only because it is a location that will allow for the fastest start of its operation but also because that site will allow the City to receive greatly needed tax revenues almost immediately.
The fact is that the Delaware waterfront is a bad site for the Foxwoods casino. It was a bad site a year ago, and it remains a bad site today.
Today’s ruling outlined further information required from Foxwoods regarding any proposed casino development and it is unclear what effect this ruling has on the viability of this project. The development timeline and the 10 requirements detailed by the Board are very demanding and, given the challenges that they have faced to date, there are real questions as to whether Foxwoods can meet those standards.
I await those further details from Foxwoods, but repeat that I am disappointed by today’s ruling.
