Casino Developer Wants Out of Expressway On-Ramp Plan in Philadelphia
Andrew Maykuth reports on a growing controversy in South Philadelphia over a planned freeway on-ramp for the I-76, Schuylkill Expressway.
In 2014, developers of a casino were granted a license with a special condition requiring for the developers to pay for the design and construction of the on-ramp.
"Not so fast," writes Maykuth. "It turns out that getting a private enterprise to build a public highway project is more challenging than anticipated. Now Stadium Casino LLC — which finally broke ground this year on its $700 million Live! Philadelphia Casino and Hotel at 900 Packer Ave. — wants to get out of its promise."
"Stadium Casino says that the on-ramp idea is unfeasible, and that various government agencies with a stake in I-76 are unable to reach a consensus. It has asked the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to release it from an obligation it made during the fevered 2014 licensing process, when competing casino operators were promising the moon, the stars, and public works to win approval for the city’s coveted second gaming license."
The article details the political and governance challenges of the on-ramp plan, which is wrapped up in the planning and development history of this part of the city. The casino is under construction just blocks away from Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.
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