Although it was only a week ago that a ruling by Pennsylvania's Supreme Court restored zoning control over slot machines to local officials, two Bethlehem Councilmen, Gordon Mowrer and Joseph Leeson Jr., are about to present an amendment that might stop the construction of a multi million slots casino near Bethlehem.
According to Mowrer, a Moravian priest who opposes gambling, a slots venue is not a solution for the city’s financial and social problems in the long run. Also, such a facility might ruin Bethlehem’s current reputation as an important historical site for the period of the industrial revolution.
However, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan reportedly disagrees with slots opponents. Callahan believes that the construction of a slot machine casino is vital for the city’s future, as it will help revive it.
As it currently stands, the future of a slots venue in the outskirts of Bethlehem is dependant on the vote of other Council members. The potential amendment will be presented to the Bethlehem Council within the next few days.
