Foxwoods' Philadelphia Casino Project Facing Delays

PHILADELPHIA, PA — As reported by the Norwich Bulletin: "On Dec. 20, 2006, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board tapped Foxwoods as one of two bidders to build slot parlors in Philadelphia.

Foxwoods,
Early rendering of Foxwoods proposed casino in Philadelphia.  a minority partner in a group that includes, among others, music mogul Quincy Jones and Ed Snider, owner of the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers, submitted a bid to develop a project along the Philadelphia waterfront in South Philadelphia.

Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia would transform a 16.5-acre vacant parcel of blighted, commercial land along the Delaware River into an entertainment conglomerate, with restaurants, entertainment venues, a casino, a public riverfront walkway, a hotel and more, at a potential cost of $1 billion.

For the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the decision meant expansion of its casino empire, more money in the till..."

"But the journey has been anything but smooth.

“The process has taken a lot longer than anticipated,” Armentrout said.

One of the losing bidders filed an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which was denied. Community opposition and even foot-dragging by the city, hampered efforts as well. The Supreme Court sided with casino owners, saying the city must approve construction, paving the way for the state to issue a license in June 2008. The terms of the license required the Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia to have 1,500 slot machines in operation at the waterfront site by last week..."