No Casino in My Neighborhood Mr. Mayor!
20,000 signatures grace a petition against the construction of a casino at The Gallery
By VINCE LATTANZIO
Updated 5:28 PM EST, Wed, Nov 12, 2008
Hundreds of Center City residents presented Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter with a hefty petition Wednesday afternoon.
The petition’s goal is to stop zoning legislation that will allow the Foxwoods Casino to be built at The Gallery at Market East at 8th and Market Streets.
Over 20,000 people signed the petition opposing the casino, which was originally approved to be built along the Delaware River waterfront in South Philly.
The mayor promised he would consider their issues, but noted that a city as old as Philly has seen many tough issues and controversial projects before.
“I think what’s most important is that people feel that their voices are being heard, that they are not being disrespected in the process and regardless where we end up that there are numerous opportunities,” Nutter said during a press conference.
Neighborhood residents and community leaders said they fear the casino would bring gambling addicts and alcoholics to their doorstep.
In contrast, executives from Foxwoods said the casino would bring jobs and economic growth to a barren stretch of Market Street East.
First Published: Nov 12, 2008 5:01 PM EST
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