WHEREAS,
HSP Gaming has received approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a Category 2 Slot Machine License and has proposed to develop SugarHouse Casino on a parcel of property located on North Delaware Avenue between Shackamaxon Street, Ellen Street and the Delaware River; and,
WHEREAS,
Former Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz on behalf of the City of Philadelphia entered into a Development and Tax and Claim Settlement Agreement with HSP Gaming, LP on December 17th , 2007, on the eve of a new Mayor and Administration; and,
WHEREAS,
The HSP agreement attached as Exhibit A includes provisions relating to an expedited permit approval process, transportation needs and impact, an economic opportunity plan, community reinvestment, public safety impacts and costs, site plan and design equity, waterfront access, development plans, water, sewer and natural gas and other utilities and a tax and claim settlement; and,
WHEREAS,
Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners (PEDP) has received approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a Category 2 Slot Machine License and has proposed to develop Foxwoods Casino on a parcel of property located on South Delaware Avenue between Tasker and Reed Streets and the Delaware River; and,
WHEREAS,
Former Solicitor Romulo L. Diaz, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, entered into a Development and Tax and Claim Settlement Agreement with PEDP on January 4, 2008, just three days prior to the inauguration of a new Administration; and,
WHEREAS,
The PEDP agreement attached as Exhibit B includes provisions relating to an expedited permit approval process, transportation needs and impact, an economic opportunity plan, community reinvestment, public safety impacts and costs, site plan and design equity, waterfront access, development plan, water, sewer and natural gas and other utilities and a tax and claim settlement; and,
WHEREAS,
Both agreements were signed by the Street Administration immediately prior to leaving office and may be hampering the current Administration's efforts to address issues and concerns in a manner in which they feel is appropriate; and,
WHEREAS,
Both agreements were made without appropriate public input or consideration of community concerns; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
Authorizes Philadelphia City Council's Committee of the Whole to investigate the conditions and provisions of the agreements between the City of Philadelphia and HSP Gaming, d/b/a SugarHouse Casino and between the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners, d/b/a Foxwoods Casino.
End