Protesters of City Council's zoning change approval last week, which allows for a slots parlor along Market Street, fear that the vote indicates the proposed Foxwoods Casino at the Gallery is a done deal.
It's too early to say whether the fix is in. However, opponents - including many in neighboring Chinatown - are right to be wary, given the sloppy and secretive process in which slots gambling has evolved in the state.
After Pennsylvania's flawed roll-out of slots gambling, it's clear that there's no sure thing in this game. Just ask Foxwoods officials.
While the state Gaming Control Board granted Foxwoods a license to build on the Delaware River waterfront nearly two years ago, it has been thwarted so far by the clamor of opposition to that site. Only after months of resisting those protests - now joined by Mayor Nutter - did Foxwoods agree to consider moving.
Now is the time to hold Nutter to his pledge that the city will make sure that if a slots parlor is placed at the Gallery, it's done right.
To do so, the city needs to assure that the process for picking a Foxwoods site is thoughtful and deliberate and takes neighbors' concerns into consideration. While the city may be anxious to get hold of the tax revenue from the slots parlors, it is more important to get the location right.
Critics say Council's approval of the zoning change put the cart before the horse. But Nutter says it's just the first step in a thorough review. Next up for Council is an amendment to the city's entertainment district zoning to ward off any garish signs atop a proposed casino.
Then it will be up to Foxwoods: It needs to submit a detailed plan for the Gallery site to both the City Planning Commission and Council. Their review should involve plenty of public input, and should address the many concerns about the location. That includes: a study to assure that Center City won't be gridlocked by traffic, as well as an assessment of whether a downtown slots parlor poses special risks for problem gambling and crime often associated with casinos.
As part of the zoning approval last week, the city smartly removed a requirement that slots parlors provide on-site parking - instead, letting them rely on off-site garages and public transportation.
Even with last week's zoning change, building at 10th and Market Streets remains a long shot because any Foxwoods move could face legal challenges from competitors who lost out for a slots license.
Barring such delays, Councilman Frank DiCicco still predicts the review of Foxwoods at the Gallery could stretch out over six months.
As that process moves ahead, it's worth remembering that Foxwoods holds a trump card: Previous court rulings have OK'd the slots parlor on the river, despite problems with that site.
It's a shame the flawed process has evolved into a zero-sum game, rather than scouting the entire city for the best site. Wherever the slots parlors go, they will have a major impact on the city. That's all the more reason why those involved in the decision need to get it right.