Philadelphia’s Council approves zoning for US$ 450M casino complex

The casino is planned to have more than 100 table games, 2,000 slot machines and live entertainment venuesUS.-  Philadelphia City Council authorised zoning for a planned US$ 450 million casino and hotel complex in South Philadelphia, which could have a big impact in a city’s economy since the developers plan to hire 5,000 local people.

The project plans the renovation of the Holiday Inn located on the 900 block of Packer Avenue into a luxury hotel. The new installations will have more than 200 rooms, a conference centre and spa. Plus a casino, with 2,000 slot machines, more than 100 table games and live entertainment venues. Since the location is close to major sport stadiums, the complex casino will probably attract many of its visitors, estimated in 8 million a year.

As stated by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia negotiated with owners, Stadium Casino LLC, for a minimum US$ 12 an hour wage for all employees and contractors and also “at least 50 percent minority participation in all stages of this project.” “The jobs created must pay living wages and the workers at all stages of the process including construction, professional services, operations and vending and contracting must represent Philadelphia’s diverse demographic makeup,” she said.