Councilman Praises Foxwoods Casino License Revocation

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Longtime opponents of the Foxwoods slots parlor are hailing Thursday's decision by the state gambling control board to revoke their license (see related story).

The Foxwoods parcel at Delaware Avenue and Reed Street is in the district of City Councilman Frank DiCicco, who says he's thrilled the Gaming Control Board cut off the local investors.

"It was best decision, the best for the community at large," DiCicco (above) told KYW Newsradio on Thursday.

DiCicco says community opposition was crucial because it put speed bumps in the way of Foxwoods' moving forward. Those delays, he says, collided with the economic recession, and that ultimately proved to be Foxwood's death knell.

"We got a little bit lucky, there's no question about it," DiCicco said. "But the question of slowing it down obviously worked in our favor."

Mayor Nutter reacts ...

DiCicco says he know of no other locations in his district that would be appropriate for a casino.

And Councilman Brian O'Neill of the 10th District says this could, in the end, help the process.

"The Gaming Board probably has a lot more confidence from the public now for having done this and started over again," O'Neill said.

Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn.