Philadelphia is still trying to figure out where to put its two approved casinos as it prepares to become the nation's biggest city to host gambling. In this piece, Inga Saffron says a new proposed site could make gambling work for Philly.
"After years of hearing Rendell insist that, like it or not, two boxy slots parlors would be built on the city's majestic Delaware River, it was refreshing to have him concede yesterday that he is exploring other sites for the Foxwoods casino, the more intrusive of the halls. The leading option, at the west end of Market Street's Gallery mall, has real possibilities and should not be immediately dismissed."
"The proposed relocation of Foxwoods offers a precious second chance to get gambling right in Philadelphia. It should be the starting point for a vigorous public discussion about what form an urban casino should take."
"As the largest city in America to host gambling, Philadelphia deserves a casino tailored to its economic and planning goals - and not merely a cash cow for the state. This is the state's gambling flagship, and the casino design should reflect that."
FULL STORY: Gallery casino is city's second chance
America's Largest Cities Gamble on Casino-led Growth
An expanding number of cities across the U.S. are looking to attract urban casinos, with the hope that further development and money (tax revenues to fill drained city coffers) will follow.
Big Box Casino On Its Way To Philadelphia
The new casino rising along Philadelphia's Delaware River is likely to be little more than a drab Big Box with gambling inside, according to this review from Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron.
Revealed: $2.2 Billion Redevelopment Plan for Philadelphia's Waterfront
The city of Philadelphia has a new, highly anticipated plan for a valuable site on the Delaware River waterfront.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)