|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Mike O’Brien |
|
O’Brien: Nutter on right track with riparian rights decision
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 24 – State Rep.
Mike O’Brien, D-Phila, today praised Mayor Michael Nutter’s decision to revoke
a license issued under the previous administration by the Philadelphia
Department of Commerce to developers of the proposed Sugarhouse casino.
The department approved a Submerged Land License to HSP
Gaming Inc. late last year for use of riparian lands in the Delaware River. Nutter
rescinded the license today.
“Simply put, the city gave away land it has no authority
over,” O’Brien said. “The mayor’s acknowledgement of that point and his action
today is welcome news for the thousands of residents, civic groups and public
officials who have been working to make sure our neighborhoods are not unfairly
and unlawfully cast aside to make way for casino gambling at any cost.
“While it remains uncertain how today’s action will affect the
final location of Sugarhouse, I am heartened by this development and look
forward to working with Mayor Nutter and his administration in ensuring
sensible land-use policies along the riverfront and throughout
Philadelphia.”
O’Brien introduced and the House adopted a resolution in
December (H.R.
523) that asked the state attorney general to seek a temporary restraining
order to overturn the city’s decision.
###bfg/2008/agh
l:\print\releases\nutterdecision.175