After nearly two years of trying to build on the waterfront, Foxwoods is being lured west.
"First and foremost, look at how many construction jobs will be created in building the casinos, the amount of permanent jobs to staff them and the tax revenues which will be generated. Philadelphians have to break free from the parochialism, short-sightedness and narrow-minded thinking that has plagued them forever," Della Vecchia said. "This city has some of the best restaurants in the world, along with all of our country's history. It's about time that Philadelphia is taken seriously as a world-class destination."
Though he supports gaming, the Queen Village resident thinks Center City isn't the wisest alternative to South Philly.
"The Gallery would be an even worse location due to the lack of easy access by car. Both Delaware Avenue locations [for Foxwoods and SugarHouse] are much easier to reach via cars," he said.
Foxwoods' change of location was due in part to nearly two years of intensive and unrelenting neighborhood and Casino Free Philadelphia opposition.
From the start, DiCicco said he's always "personally believed" it the wrong place for a slots parlor "given the traffic concerns and it's not appropriate for future riverfront development."
Rene Goodwin concurs and has been a forerunner of the anti-Foxwoods movement, organizing the earliest protests and rallies. The Pennsport Civic Association Board member is cautiously optimistic about the relocation.
"The fact that Foxwoods, the governor and the mayor have all worked together on this is at least a good sign there is an attempt to respond to the various concerns raised about the original site. It does seem however that there has not been inclusion of the surrounding communities in the decision-making process. We are not comfortable with the idea of this being thrust on any community without their participation and agreement. We are pleased, however, that there is some effort being made," Goodwin said.
Terry Gillen, a South Philly resident and senior aide to Nutter on the casino issue, said city officials have begun meeting with community groups.
"Councilman DiCicco has had a couple of meetings with folks from Chinatown, as well as Washington Square West and Society Hill Civic. We think we'll have [site] drawings in the next couple of weeks to share with neighborhood groups," Gillen said.
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