Editorial | Casinos in Center City

With the new proposed location for the Foxwoods Casino, city officials might have just hit the jackpot.

Foxwoods and government officials recently announced that the casino group would consider building its multi-million dollar venue in the Gallery Mall near 9th and Market streets, instead of on the Delaware River.

Considering Philly's $450 million budget shortfall, the potential revenues generated by casinos can't come fast enough. More importantly, a Gallery casino could revitalize economic activity in the Market East area - with the proper planning.

Any casino development must be part of a broader effort to revive The Gallery Mall, arguably one of the more dilapidated retail spaces in the region. As long the casino doesn't interfere with the historical atmosphere of Old City, it might draw more tourists to the area.

And since the space already sits on top of a SEPTA transit hub, the development wouldn't necessarily increase traffic to unmanageable levels. Instead of a sprawling, parking-lot dependent structure, the new plan offers an urban gaming establishment that's better integrated with the city's existing mass-transit system and commercial center.

The alternative - a location on the Delaware River - would waste Philadelphia's chance to develop an attractive and accessible waterfront space.

Understandably, Chinatown has concerns about the plan. Officials need to take into account residents' input when fine-tuning the design and appearance of the structure and must also help the community deal with any residual effects from the development.

But at its heart, the Market East corridor is a commercial area. A casino in that location is a good bet for the city.

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