In the US, Philadelphia City Council has voted to approve zoning for a planned $450m casino and hotel complex in south Philadelphia.
The project is expected to be an economic boom for the city and for the 5,000 local people the developers plan to hire. "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 make-up," said Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
Johnson explained the city negotiated with owners Stadium Casino for a minimum $12 an hour wage for all employees and contractors. "Additionally, I have worked with the Office of Economic Opportunity to set historic diversity goals that call for at least 50 per cent minority participation in all stages of this project," said Johnson.
According to the plan, the existing Holiday Inn on the 900 block of Packer Avenue will be renovated into a luxury hotel with more than 200 rooms, a spa and conference centre. The yet-to-be built casino will have 2,000 slot machines, more than 100 table games and live entertainment venues.
Developers expect to benefit from the nearby sports stadiums which draw more than eight million visitors a year. The vote puts the casino one step closer to becoming a reality. However, it still needs the State Supreme Court to uphold its gambling licence. Pending clearance, construction could begin in 2016 and the casino could open in 2018.
