The state thought more casinos would be a good way to raise some revenue for the state. So far a lot of local governments want no part of that action.
"Two hundred Pennsylvania municipalities [pdf] have already opted out of hosting a new miniature casino," reports Katie Meyer. Moreover, 12 counties that already have casinos also have the option to allow "remote video gaming terminals" in truck stops. So far, three of the eligible counties have said no to the idea.
The cities were given the option to welcome a new casino as part of a gambling operations expansion approved by the State Legislature in October as a source of revenue.
"Municipalities have until January to decide whether they want to play host to a mini-casino, and more are expected to opt out this month," according to Meter.
Read the full story: 200 municipalities opt out of Pa. gambling expansion
Pennsylvania House Goes All-In on Big Gambling Expansion
A bill that would greatly expand legalized gambling to new locations around the state flew through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week.
Madrid to Build Mega Casino, Betting on New Jobs and Tourist Dollars
Spain's capital may build a huge casino, but many fear that the facility will flounder in the way similar mega-projects have in the past.
Why Cities Should Think Twice Before Rolling the Dice on Gambling
Seen as a source of economic development and easy money for cities (struggling or not) throughout North America, casino projects are neither a revenue panacea nor the win-win "economic bullet" that supporters claim, argues Richard Florida.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority