PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The developers for one of Philadelphia's two proposed slots parlors plan to open a temporary casino next year on the waterfront.
Mayor Nutter says it will bring much needed money and jobs to the city.
“It is in all of our interests – and the interests of the taxpayers – to get this facility open as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Michael Nutter.
SugarHouse developers want to open the 1,700-machine temporary facility before the middle of next year. That temporary building would be part of the final design for the site on the Delaware River waterfront.
The developers filed a petition with the Pa. Gaming Control Board to get approval for the changes.
The temporary parlor would take about nine months to build.
The construction would create 500 jobs and when the casino opens in 2010, there will be 500 permanent jobs, according to Mayor Nutter.
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Finishing out the casino would create another 600 constructions jobs and 500-600 additional employees to work in the casino, said Nutter.
SugarHouse predicts the city would get an infusion of $11 million in host fees annually when the temporary building opens and that would go up to $18 million once the casino is finished.
Opponents have challenged the SugarHouse location, concerned about the public's access to the river.
Mayor Nutter said he was worried too initially, but was happy that developers made key changes the city asked for.
“I had concerns about the impact of the original design on traffic, congestion, the nearby community and the long-term development of the waterfront. Changes have been proposed by SugarHouse and my Administration supports the concept drawings in the proposed SugarHouse plan modifications and we will do everything within our power to assist SugarHouse’s efforts to move forward with this design and to open an interim facility by this time next year."
SugarHouse developers make their case before the State Gaming Board on Wednesday.
