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State Reps: Senate went too far on gambling reforms
By Ed Goppelt
Tuesday, 10/03/06
(1159929642312)
Four local state representatives expressed alarm yesterday at legislation that
would concentrate all power to regulate city casinos with the Gaming
Board.
Speaking at a press conference held in the Media Center of the State Capitol, Democratic representatives Bill Keller, Marie Lederer and republicans John Taylor of Philadelphia and Paul Clymer of Bucks Country said the Senate went too far last week by approving a gambling reform package that strips the City and their constituents of any leverage over the casinos.
"We do not believe these are subtle changes,” said Keller. “These are excessive.
"I believe this impacts the neighborhoods more than any other bill before it,” said Keller. “We deserve the right to take a long hard look at it.”
The provisions the legislators objected to are contained in an amendment by state Senate Vincent Fumo to Senate Bill 862. Fumo’s amendment takes away from the City its power to regulate casino zoning and safety and provides for the easy transfer of so-called riparian rights, or the right to build over the river, to the riverfront casinos.
None of the representatives were in favor of restoring the City’s zoning power. Instead they objected to the casino’s ability under Fumo’s amendment to purchase riparian rights as a matter of right without first obtaining the approval of the legislature. “It’s not acceptable to eliminate the entire step of riparian rights,” said Taylor.
"They did an end run about the proper process,” said Lederer. “Riparian rights are supposed to go through the legislator who represents the district.”
Clymer suggested that casinos might be getting an unfair deal on their riparian rights. While the casinos must pay fair market value for the rights, they can offset much of the cost through generous credits now provided by the legislation.
The legislators also objected to a change in the definition of “associated area” which appears to allow the casinos to expand their facility simply by purchasing nearby land connected by a walkway or easement. Under Fumo’s amendment the casinos will not have to obtain permission of either the legislature or the city to do this. “
We believe [the casinos] can jump into the neighborhood,” said Keller. “As long as they’re connected by a bridge, walkway, some easement they can go anywhere and that’s not what we wanted.”
Likewise the legislators felt that the billboard provision contained in Fumo’s amendment afforded residents no protection from intrusive rotating or illuminated signs advertising the casino. “It’s already dictating how to advertise,” said Taylor of Fumo’s amendment. “There’s no consideration for people who live there.”
When asked, Lederer said she thought the Gaming Board should take testimony from residents the way the City’s zoning board does. She pointed out that people have only been allowed to speak before the actual sites for the casinos are known.
Senate Bill 862 is currently not scheduled for a vote in the House. The best way to remove the objectionable provisions said Keller "is to make our case to the leadership."
"This is impacting the neighborhoods. It was never our intention to do that. I don't think anybody wants it that way."