It has been almost two years that Foxwoods has been planning to build a casino in South Philadelphia. The casino would overlook the Delaware River, but many have been pushing the Company to build on a different site. Foxwoods has been reluctant to change their plans but after meeting with city officials the group may decide to move the build site.

The casino investors met with Mayor Nutter, Governor Rendell and other officials to say the investors are open to moving to another area for building. In the past Foxwoods has not budged with their decision and even as short as five days ago stated in the Inquirer that they were not willing to relocate.

A statement has now been released stating that Foxwoods is open to “responsible ideas, suggestions and concerns" but a move would create problems. “Following those discussions we have agreed, in principal, to consider other alternative sites and ways that we can mutually overcome those obstacles. We are committed to continuing those discussions, while preserving our rights to the South Columbus Boulevard site."

Governor Rendell later revealed that Foxwoods investors had recently told him they were looking for other locations in the city. Foxwoods would not tell Rendell where they were looking except that it was not riverfront property and not within ten miles of already open casinos.

Foxwoods investors have stated they do not want money to make the move, they would like only security that will keep roadblocks will not be repeated at the new location. Also complained about by the investors was the lack of transparency in how they give licenses to casinos.

A final decision will most likely come when Foxwoods decides on a definite location and the
state and the investors can come to an agreement on each other’s terms.



- 2008-08-22