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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Protesters Strike Sugarhouse Groundbreaking

Chris Brennan is out at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sugarhouse casino, at Delaware Avenue at Shackamaxon Street in Fishtown.  And he reports that the anti-casino movement is out in force. The groundbreaking is a private event, but the protesters are about 30 yards away, causing a ruckus with bullhorns.

A banner plane is circling overhead with a message that says "Crime, poverty, addiction...jackpot" About 50 protesters are waving signs and chanting: "Our city our say, no casino no way."

Casino investor Dick Sprague waved to the protesters as he was driven onto the sight. "They put up a good fight," Sprague said later of the activists.

Councilman Frank DiCicco, who fought the casino development, told the crowd; "I've been standing in the way of this project for far too long."

The investors clapped while protesters chanted: "shame on you."

Mayor Nutter, another former SugarHouse foe, said he and lead investor Neil Bluhm told each other off several times.

"It wasn't always easy," Nutter said. "It wasn't always pretty. But we ended up in the right place,"
Posted by Catherine Lucey @ 3:40 PM  Permalink | 6 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:13 PM, 10/08/2009
    Nutter in the "right place"? Neil Bluhm's pocket, I guess. Ground breaking or not. It is not going to open.
    — dr. know
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:42 PM, 10/08/2009
    In a few years a beautiful casino will be up, people will be employed, improvement to the area, life , drinks, fun, and the protests will be a distant memory..then the protestors can go to North Philly with brooms and help sweep up
    — Chosen one
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:08 AM, 10/09/2009
    So, a bunch of racist agitators are opposed to casino development in Philly. This is news? Just build them already. Enough drama from the drama queens.
    — JMM
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:44 AM, 10/09/2009
    To the anti casino folks: You have the right not to agree and fight for what you beleive in, surely this is America. You have make comments and mention of crime, drugs, and so many other items that ARE ALREADY HERE> The casino didn't bring these items. Your dying efforts are fruitless, and by continuing your charade of trying to blemish this project, ( because you can't stop it) people will look at you ( your group) and see your beating a dead horse, and how does that play out in how really smart and senseible you are? Come on,, give it a break or if not keep looking like people that have blinders on and ear muffs. You have been heard, you fought for your belief, IT IS OVER. Sugarhouse and casino's will be part of Philly. Our City, Our waterfront will reap rewards in many ways from this project. Get over it... please you look like desperate people, so sad. Find another forum to fight for, the casino issued is over for you.. ( here in Philly anyway..)
    — K.Rhoads
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:21 PM, 10/09/2009
    SugarHouse is in the RIGHT PLACE, with the surrounding community's support. A few outside aggitators will soon be gone. All I can say is: YIPPY. Now, as has been suggested, let the protesters get off their pity-pots over losing, a go to work, fight for better schools, the libraries, the rec centers, etc. (Oops. That's what neighbors fight for in Fishtown, not out-of-towners.)
    — PhillyS1980


6 comments
About The Philly Clout Team
PhillyClout
Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.
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David Gambacorta spent a small eternity writing about cops, drug dealers and serial killers. Now he’s writing about power and politics ­– which sometimes reminds him of the old crime beat. He joined the Daily News in 2005. And yes, he knows you’re not quite sure how to pronounce his last name. E-mail tips to gambacd@phillynews.com
 Follow Dave on Twitter.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002 and has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. After covering the 2007 mayoral election, she moved over to the City Hall bureau where she has been reporting on the Nutter administration.
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Jan Ransom, a native New Yorker, joined the Daily News in 2010 after graduating from Howard University. She has since written about the difficulty of filing police complaints, tax deadbeats and life after violent home invasions. She joined the Daily News City Hall Bureau in 2011 and has plunged headfirst into reporting on administration budget battles and City Council shenanigans.
 Follow Jan on Twitter



Share your tips

Catherine Lucey
luceyc@phillynews.com

Chris Brennan
brennac@phillynews.com

Jan Ransom
Ransomj@phillynews.com
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