Gaming the City

Published on Saturday, 13 September 2008 20:00

The City of Philadelphia recently elected a new mayor, Michael Nutter, who almost immediately after his inauguration announced his intention bring true design standards back to the city's development process. With an understanding and appreciation for the nature of the urban fabric Roadside hasn't seen since John Norquist ran Milwaukee, Mayor Nutter vowed to apply these concepts first to the city's long-suffering waterfront upon with developers want to build two major casino complexes. While we can't disparage gambling casinos enough, especially those within struggling rust-belt cities, Nutter hopes to minimize their detrimental impact by either shoe-horning them into the newly proposed streetcape restoration plan or relocate them over to the airport. And to no one's surprise, the developers have objected, despite the fact that some have offered even better locations for these sinkholes of wealth, like out at the airport. What is it about the mind of the real estate developer that fails to grasp the concepts and implications of accommodation, common sense, and neighborhood hostility? Yes, they made deals with the former administration and the state, but the neighborhood doesn't want them. Their presence will add nothing to the city's livability. And the rampant spread of gambling across the region will ultimately make them nonviable. The last thing Philadelphia (or any city) needs are more multi-million dollar eyesores sucking the life out of its fragile neighborhoods. But the developers have their contracts worked out with politicians and officials beholden to no one affected by these projects. Makes you wonder how some people sleep at night.