Council To Consider Brady Casino Proposal

LOOKING MORE like an abandoned concentration camp, save for foot-long rats that roam its docks, was this site which was home to Wholesale Fruit Distribution Center. Congressman Bob Brady’s proposal to bring to this site City-owned casino run by Penn National would turn this nest of rats into a source of steady millions in income to City’s treasury.

If there is a law on the books prohibiting the City of Philadelphia from owning a casino, which a professional operator would handle, then look for City Council to make such a determination and rush to  introduce an amendment into law to make that possible.

This could happen as the result of a resolution being introduced Dec. 5 by Councilmen Jim Kenney and Kenyatta Johnson. They are calling for a hearing into a proposal from Penn National Gaming Inc. to use profits from their casino proposal to help fund city schools and the municipal pension fund.

The initiator of this proposal was Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.), who believes the City should move into the casino business. He was able to interest Penn National in such a proposal.

Brady picked the most-obvious site for the casino: the former Food Distribution Center. It is adjacent to the sports complex. Located on more than 20 acres, it is easily accessible by Routes I-95 and I-76, and all exits and entrances to those major thoroughfares do not impact on local community traffic.

Both Council Members want a look at the Brady proposal, which could be a win-win suggestion, though they are not endorsing any particular Casino application. Deputy Mayor Alan Greensberger has been notified by both Council Members, since it was he who questioned whether or not the city could legally enter the casino business.

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