City Council Approves Casino Referendum

PHILADELPHIA-Citizens who oppose casino development near residential neighborhoods won a round in the city council. It voted unanimously to have a referendum regarding casino locations placed on the May 15 mayoral primary ballot.

The measure would allow voters to decide on a change in the city charter banning casino development within 1,500 feet of any residence, school, playground, church or similar neighborhood property. If passed, it would effectively block plans for development of Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia on Columbus Boulevard and SugarHouse Casino on North Delaware Avenue. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awarded those projects the two slots licenses designated for Philadelphia.

Mayor John Street could, but has not yet indicated he would, veto the council’s decision. It would take 12 of the 17 council members to override such a veto. Furthermore, the state legislature could overturn the council’s decision. In a statement, Gov. Ed Rendell says, “There are fundamental constitutional questions about the city council’s actions that we expect will be addressed in court proceedings.”