The third of four city council hearings on whether to award Foxwoods casino their CED (commercial entertainment district) zoning took place on Friday. The hearing may be moot in light of this week’s supreme court ruling but council choose to hold the hearing and Mayor Nutter spoke strongly on the matter.

Nutter said: “It is clear that the proposed Foxwoods site is the wrong site for Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” He said it is the responsibility of Council and the Mayor to “…represent our constituents and run the city of Philadelphia in a forthright, open and transparent fashion.” He spoke of the potentially enormous impact casinos may have on Philadelphia, he thanked council for holding the hearings.

“If. If. If we are to have gaming in Philadelphia there is a way to do it, there is a way right that works for the citizens of this city, that works for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

He spoke firmly about the increased infrastructure costs, particularly police, that the casinos will levy upon the city. He said these costs were not considered in the budget, the five year and the city should not have to pay for them.

He ended with: “…We have an obligation to the citizens of this city and residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that if there is to be casino gaming in Philadelphia that it is done properly, it is done respectfully, it is done thoughtfully, and that it uses the best land use planning principles and we not allow ourselves to be lulled by the various interests who have their interests and not our interests at heart.”

This is strong stuff. So far Nutter has not spoken without purpose. He clearly chooses his words carefully. He twice referred to casinos as ‘if:’ likely not a mistake or oversight on his part. He speaks clearly and deliberately without hesitation or second thought. This is why we elected him, this is the stuff that changes cities.

Update, 4/26/08: I am not sure I can give credit but this is posted publicly: