Foxwoods May Build Temporary Casino

Financial concerns may force change in plans at South Philly site

Developers of the proposed, but long-delayed Foxwoods Philadelphia casino say they may abandon plans to build an interim casino in lieu of a temporary one.

Foxwoods notified state gambling regulators Friday that it would "seriously consider" the temporary slot parlor at its South Philadelphia site along the Delaware River.

A temporary facility might sound the same as an interim one, but they are vastly different.

An interim casino essentially serves as the first phase of a multi-step project. But a temporary facility would be built with the intention of eventually being demolished -- either being replaced by a permanent casino or not at all.

Project developers cited "unanticipated new issues" involving financing as the reason for the possible switch.

Regulators have ordered that 1,500 slot machines be operational by May 29, 2011. The company says it has hired investment bankers to help secure more financing.

The Foxwoods project sat in limbo for months as city officials and activists wrangled with state regulators over where the casino should reside. The South Philadelphia site was abandoned after officials pressured a move to the old Strawbridge & Clothier flagship store at 8th and Market Streets.

But in August, the state forced Foxwoods to move forward in South Philly due to a lack of progress in Center City. The casino spent $160 million to originally buy the property, develop plans and acquire a license.

The idea of a temporary casino in South Philly is less than thrilling for casino opponents.

"A box surrounded by a sea of parking isn't doing gaming right," said Brain Abernathy, aide to Councilman Frank DiCicco. The proposed casino falls inside DiCicco's district.

Jethro Heiko of Casino-Free Philadelphia said such a project would be at an immediate competitive disadvantage.

A spokesman for Mayor Nutter said the mayor had not read the letter and declined comment.

SugarHouse Casino -- Philly's other gaming hall -- broke ground on its interim facility on Oct. 8.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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