Philly Casino Watch

Well, I guess it’s true what they say: “Better later than never.” On his final day in office (Friday, January 4, 2008) Mayor Street issued permits allowing Sugarhouse Casino to use heavy machinery for leveling and grading the building site. The state Department of Environmental Protection also issued Sugarhouse a storm-water discharge construction permit on the same day, knocking down one more obstacle in Sugarhouse’s path. Newly appointed Mayor Nutter will check to make sure the permits were issued properly. The Sugarhouse train steams ahead!

-Jamie

That’s right. Three weeks until Sugarhouse breaks ground. On Monday (12/3/2007) the Supreme Court gave Sugarhouse the permission they needed to start building on the old Jack Frost Refinery site. The ruling effectively overode City Council’s refusal to issue Sugarhouse the proper permits needed to start construction. Finally! Foxwoods said that with this ruling in place it too would ask the Supreme Court to bypass city council and issue the permits allowing construction. City Council members said they would challenge the ruling, while neighborhood opponents said they will begin training for their demonstrations and protests. All I have to say is good luck defying the Supreme Court’s decision and good luck chaining yourself to a fence in the middle of December! Undoubtedly, the casino’s opponents options are facing the end of the road, but hey keep an eye on our live camera and watch the protesters and their futile attempts from the warmth of your home. This could actually turn out to be pretty interesting.