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Sugarhouse casino finds local support

"Little League baseball players have new jerseys - thanks to SugarHouse.

"A struggling Catholic school got $10,000 from the casino company for a 'Monte Carlo' night fund-raiser.

"Senior citizens heard a swing band concert last month, while the sidewalks around the old Palmer cemetery got a steam cleaning before a parade - compliments of SugarHouse.

"...Debate over casinos is turning into a rumble in Fishtown, a river ward of about 22,000 people that has long felt ignored by downtown powers.

"...Now comes the arrival of one of the city's two casinos - the SugarHouse project planned for 22 acres of derelict waterfront land at Delaware and Frankford Avenues.

"Up and down the waterfront - from Pennsport and Whitman in the far end of South Philadelphia, up through Queen Village, Society Hill, Old City and Northern Liberties - most residents are opposed to having casinos built so close to their homes. Earlier this year, an alliance of community groups pledged not to negotiate with casino operators while there was pending litigation to stop the projects.

"...But the people of Fishtown are more at odds over casinos. A group of neighbors has broken from the main community organization and now vocally supports SugarHouse.

"...The neighbors who started Fishtown Action (FACT) earlier this year say they want to see casino jobs, as well as a revitalization of vacant waterfront land. And they welcome the prospect of a powerful corporate neighbor with clout and money to bring to Fishtown.

"...Members of FACT have invited casino executives into their living rooms to answer questions about the project. They have suggested ways for the company to donate money. And they have encouraged a resumption of talks to arrive at an official 'Community Benefits Agreement' to establish a special-services district around the casino.

"...[Ken Snyder, a spokesman for SugarHouse,]said the company would donate at least $1 million a year to surrounding neighborhood groups to spend as they please - 'no strings attached.'

"Other community groups now are feeling pressure to resume talks with casino operators - especially with a pending zoning bill in City Council that could pave the way for SugarHouse to begin construction in the fall..."

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