Zoning changes OK'd for Foxwoods casino shift
City Council approved zoning legislation yesterday that opens the door to a potential casino at the Gallery in Center City while community activists let their outrage be heard loud and clear.
City Council approved zoning legislation yesterday that opens the door to a potential casino at the Gallery in Center City while community activists let their outrage be heard loud and clear.
"Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you!" the crowd chanted while waving protest signs after the first of two bills passed.
Council President Anna Verna, a stickler for decorum, twice scolded the protesters.
"The vote has been cast and your shouting like that is not going to change the vote," Verna said. "Now I ask you please we're trying to conduct business and I'd appreciate it . . ."
Verna's voice trailed off as the protesters kept up their chant.
Mayor Nutter is expected to sign into law the bills, which will help investors in the proposed Foxwoods casino move their project from along the Delaware River in South Philly to the Gallery, at 11th and Market streets.
Council's passage of the two bills was not altogether smooth. Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. interrupted the first vote, saying he had questions for the bill's sponsor, Councilman Frank DiCicco. Verna told Jones he had waited too long. He then abstained from the first vote.
On the second bill, Jones said he had concerns about how many signs Foxwoods would be allowed to place at the Gallery if the project moves there.
DiCicco, aware that the Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight (SCRUB) has been circulating concerns about signs, said he may amend the zoning legislation as soon as next week to better regulate signs at the Gallery.
Verna called for a vote on the second bill. Jones voted for it after a long pause to consider.
Again the chants rang out.
"I would like you to please stop it," Verna admonished the crowd. "You're not going to be changing anybody's mind by doing what you're doing."
Foxwoods announced its potential move two months ago, after running into Nutter's opposition for its state-approved South Philly location. The company has not publicly shown any plans for what it might do at the Gallery, prompting community concerns, especially in nearby Chinatown.
Yesterday's zoning change is just the first step in a potential move. Foxwoods will now have to produce a plan of development, and it must be approved by the City Planning Commission. The move also must be approved by the state Gaming Control Board. *
