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September 21, 2006

Because casi-yes just doesn't work

Casinos, what do you think, darling? Should I hate them? There's just something about them. No. I'm sure of it. I hate them.

That notwithstanding, they're coming to town anyway. And as much as I think their going to make the areas around them look like Hill Valley in 2015 from Back to Future Part II, there seems to be hope that with good, smart leaders in place, we can minimize the damage done by insisting that they adhere to certain zoning and open space guidelines.

I mean, if the next mayor plays his cards right we could end up with something like what they have in Monte Carlo:

If the next mayor and city council screw the pooch, say hello to this:

Posted by Dan at September 21, 2006 05:38 PM
Comments

I believe casi-yes is what "good" girls say in Spanglish when the guy needs three more dates until he gets lucky.

(casi means almost in Spanish.)

Posted by: mdcphilly at September 21, 2006 08:25 PM

A while back, I sent a letter to my city representatives expressing my concern that casinos could make or break the city's landscape, depending on how they were designed. Here's the response I got from Councilman Kenney (note especially the last sentence of the second paragraph):

"Date: Fri 19 May 11:07:49 EDT 2006
From: Kenney-at-Large@phila.gov
Subject: casino response


Thank you for your recent letter regarding casinos and their potential impact on our City’s neighborhoods. In many respects, I share your concerns. Certainly, it is difficult to gauge exactly how two casinos will integrate into the social and economic fabric our City and communities.

The introduction of casinos to Philadelphia is a result of legislation enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in which the Act specifically places two slot venues within the City of Philadelphia. Furthermore, the Act establishes the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to retain the sole discretion to issue, renew, condition or deny the issuance of a slot machine license. This means that the City of Philadelphia does not hold any power in regulating the placement or conditions surrounding casinos within the City. The State Legislature also exempted the siting of casinos from our zoning code.

Although City Council does not have a formal role in this process, we have passed legislation creating Commercial Entertainment Districts. The purpose of this legislation is to encourage the orderly development of major entertainment facilities, including casinos, by requiring plans for development to be approved by Council and the Mayor. While this legislation was duly enacted, it is preempted by the state’s power to regulate gambling. For that reason, we do not yet know if the General Assembly will acknowledge Philadelphia’s Commercial Entertainment District guidelines.

Please be assured that while the City has limited authority and influence on the issue of gaming, I am committed to representing my constituents and their concerns.

Again, thank you for contacting me about this very important matter."

Posted by: Dave at September 21, 2006 10:54 PM
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