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Resolution encouraging Sen. Fumo introduce his buffer bill

The following resolution was passed by DRNA at its July 2, 2007 meeting to encourage him to introduce his buffer bill immediately, as he said he would.

• Whereas DRNA members universally support re-siting of the proposed locations of the SugarHouse and Foxwoods casinos because we believe casinos do not belong in anyone's residential neighborhood.
• Whereas Sen. Vince Fumo stated during a June 13, 2007 meeting with DRNA that he would introduce a 1500' buffer bill that would resite both casinos to other sites consistent with a 1500’ buffer and that he would introduce the bill into the Senate by Tuesday, June 19, 2007 at the latest.
• Whereas Sen. Fumo's exact words were "I'll put in a bill next week with the 1500--Christopher [Craig, Esquire, chief counsel to the Senate Appropriations Committee] can draft it tomorrow. We'll take the same language Babette Josephs did. I'll introduce it Monday or Tuesday or whenever it comes down from the Legislative Reference Bureau."
• Whereas it is now July 2nd and Sen. Fumo has still not introduced buffer legislation that would protect residents from the two Las Vegas size casinos planned for their neighborhoods
• Whereas the Daily News reported on June 28, 2007 that Sen. Fumo is now considering introducing legislation that would apply to only one casino in Philadelphia and not both, in direct contradiction to a fundamental, core principle held by DRNA: that communities should not be pitted against each other.
• Whereas, Fishtown Neighbors Association (FNA) is the established and accepted representative community group in Fishtown.
• Whereas FNA has consistently taken positions in favor of resiting, the latest on June 28th, when the members of FNA voted to engage in negotiations with SugarHouse but to make siting the first issue to be negotiated; while maintaining its prior position to be opposed to the current proposed location.
• Whereas, the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) is the established and accepted representative community group in Northern Liberties, and the Sugar House site is located in both Northern Liberties and Fishtown;
• Whereas NLNA, reflecting the views of a large majority of Northern Liberties residents, has consistently opposed the location of casinos in or near residential communities, advocated casino re-siting, and promoted increased citizen input into casino licensing and siting;

Now therefore be it resolved that:

• By telephone and fax letter sent before 5:00 pm tomorrow, July 3, 2007, designated representatives of DRNA shall communicate to Sen. Fumo our expectation that he introduce a buffer bill before the legislature adjourns for the summer; that the bill apply to the SugarHouse and Foxwoods casinos; and that the legislation take effect immediately.
• DRNA's communications point person be authorized to communicate this resolution to the media by way of a press release.
• Hallwatch be asked to set up a faxbank to allow residents to encourage Sen. Fumo to introduce his buffer bill before the legislature adjourns this week.
• DRNA representatives communicate this resolution to the Boards of their community group by Tuesday, July 3, 2007.
• DRNA representatives ask the Board of their community group by Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to use their blast email lists and other means of communication to ask their members to contact Sen. Fumo via the Hallwatch faxbank and other means.