Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, City Councilman Gordon Mowrer, a fervent opponent of slot machines, wants to give city residents the chance to decide regarding the construction and location of a future slots parlor in their city. However, council President Mike Schweder believes that such a vote is not permitted by law.
Schweder was reported as saying that according to council solicitor Christopher Spadoni, Pennsylvania state law does not permit individual voters to decide upon zoning changes. Also, state lawmakers have already legalized gambling activities in Pennsylvania, and therefore, city residents must treat the slots facility project as a regular development plan. Nonetheless, disregarding the legal impediment, Mowrer said that he will push for a referendum that will determine the fate of slots in Bethlehem.
BethWorks Now, a group of investors owning the 126-acre Steel property, reportedly wants to cooperate with Las Vegas Sands Corp. in the construction and operation of the facility. The intention to turn Bethlehem Steel's riverfront plant into a casino entertainment complex, featuring as many as 5,000 slot machines, has become one of the most controversial political issues in Bethlehem.
