Blatstein plans 'lavish' launch for Philly casino plan
Does Philly need another casino?
Blatstein plans 'lavish' launch for Philly casino plan
Joseph N. DiStefano
Developer Bart Blatstein's Tower Investments plans an invitation-only "lavish launch party" to "unveil" its planned "unprecedented" $700 million resort and casino complex on the site of the former home of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News," N. Broad St. at Callowhill, on Oct. 24, to 150 Philly "movers and shakers" at Tendenza, the catering hall at Blatstein's Piazza development at the old Schmidt's Beer site near 2d and Girard. (Blatstein's PR release originally said $1 billion but has amended the number lower.)
Blatstein will vet the proposed development for his crowd before submitting it to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which is fielding proposals for a second Philly casino, with a Nov. 15 proposal deadline.
Does Philly need another casino, when local venues in Chester, Valley Forge, Fishtown and Bensalem are wrestling for customers, and Atlantic City's gambling halls are foundering?
Sure, says Blatstein in his statement: "The sheer size, scope and multi-faceted amenities of this unique resort and casino complex will make it a regional tourism attraction that will ignite other area development and push the prosperity and boundaries of Center City north on Broad Street." And we're betting contractors, union workers, hotel and parking operators, and local government agencies that will benefit from more betting will line up on Blatstein's side.
Philly can use another Casino! The location on North Broad Street is perfect, with the convention a stones throw away, its a no brainer for Philadelphia and a big jobs creator. The Casino management hopefully will build it to Resort standards with upscale offering you would find in Miami, the Caribbean, Macau, Quatar, New York City and Los Angeles.
Mr. Blatstein has the know how, and his Tower Investments are the only group I know who can pull it off, unless you bring in Steve Wynn. Joe Simiriglio Jr.— jotronicss
