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Dear Sir:
We want action not uncharacteristic evasion from Councilman DiCicco on this Foxwoods mess.
The Councilman has spent decades doing the right thing for all of his constituents. His efforts to ensure improvement in the quality of our lives in our communities are well known and appreciated. I myself have turned to him and his fine staff on several occasions when problems in our area seemed beyond resolution. I got prompt action and solutions. We need more of that now.
Please please urge him to use his considerable influence to rid us of this looming threat, this Foxwoods slot slum which will blight our wonderful neighborhood w/ gridlock, crime, environmental corruption and the horrid specter of new I95 off-ramps onto Front Street built w/ the help of eminent domain which will take and destroy blocks of our lovely 18th and 19th and 20th century homes. Don't allow this to happen to us!
On another note, over here Anne Dicker recently received more votes than her two opponents' total votes combined. She won in our corner of the district beating both O'Brien and Graboyes despite their money and political ties in part because of her stand on casinos. That is indicative of the mindset we share over here on this Foxwoods topic.
We are counting on Councilman DiCicco to use his considerable influence to give the public more time to communicate our views to the PA State gaming officials. We want that input deadline delayed until at least 12/06. We also want him to work to delay the final decisions on locations until the summer of 2007. And no matter what else you do please prevent eminent domain from taking our houses for casino off-ramps.
Reed St. and Columbus Blvd. is NOT THE RIGHT SITE FOR A CASINO!
Thank you,
Mary O. Reinhart
Pennsport
Thank you for expressing your concerns about casino development in Philadelphia.
Like you, the Councilman is very concerned about what the impact of these facilities will be on our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the Councilman did not have the opportunity to vote on gaming in the City nor does he have control over where the facilities will be located. In both instances, the State is dictating what will occur in Philadelphia.
Therefore, the Councilman's position is and has been, "If we can't stop gaming from coming, then how can we make it better?"
Already, the Councilman has initiated a process that gives communities the opportunity to discuss gaming with the potential developers. Through these meetings, neighbors have had the opportunity to discuss their concerns and, in some instances, to have those concerns directly addressed.
Further, the Councilman sponsored legislation that created land use controls for the potential gaming sites. These controls would help guarantee responsible development with public access and open space, outdoor advertising controls, parking requirements, traffic studies and recommendations, among other provisions. I have attached the final version of the bill, which Council enacted and the Mayor signed.
Unfortunately, while both neighborhood groups and casino operators believe that this legislation is responsible, reasonable and a positive development, some legislators in Harrisburg, including Speaker Perzel and Pennsport's Rep. Keller, are attempting to pre-empt all of the City's zoning controls. While the House has approved these amendments, the Councilman has aggressively lobbied the Senate to insure that these provisions are not enacted.
Finally, the Councilman has responded to the correspondence he received from several communities and has requested that:
I hope that you find this information helpful. While we may not have direct control over this process, the Councilman will continue to support his constituents in whatever way possible.
If you have further questions, please contact me.
Brian Abernathy
Legislative Assistant
Councilman Frank DiCicco's Office
1st District
T: (215) 686-3458
F: (215) 686-1931