PHILADELPHIA — The backers of what will be South Philadelphia's first casino announced late Thursday the details of agreements made with the city, which includes a "living wage" for all 5,000 employees.
Stadium Casino LLC, which is a partnership between The Cordish Companies and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment Inc., will offer minority hiring initiatives, community-based job fairs and more as part of the $450 million project in the Stadium District.
"These agreements set a new standard for development in the city in areas of economic opportunity and inclusivity for local residents," a Cordish Companies release states.
The groups planning the project, which will be located near 9th Street and Packer Avenue, say it will generate more than $2 billion in economic stimulus and $100 million in tax revenue within the first five years. Further, $25 million will be go toward funding the struggling School District of Philadelphia.
The five community groups located in neighborhoods near the Sports Complex have given their approval of the project, with millions in donations and advisory boards being part of future plans.
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"We have been impressed by the community engagement efforts initiated by
Stadium Casino, LLC since the very beginning of their outreach into the
neighborhood," Mark Kapczynski, president of the Whitman Council, said in the release. "We feel we have created an agreement that addresses and protects community interests and demonstrates Stadium Casino LLC's commitment to being a good neighbor."
A Diversity Advisory Board will also be formed. Cordish has previously been accused of bias against minority patrons at other casinos it operates, namely ones in Missouri and Kentucky.
"The Stadium Casino agreement with the city is transformative and sets a new gold standard for inclusive economic development in the city," Steven Bradley, chair of the African American Chamber, said.
As for employment opportunities, construction is expected to create 3,000 jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs will come as a direct result of casino operations. Around 50 percent of the construction positions will be minority and female contractor companies, with that approximate rate holding true to the permanent positions as well.
"Stadium Casino LLC will establish a partnership with local educational
institutions to operate training programs for potential casino dealers and other
hospitality workers at the casino," the release states. "The development will be operated in an inclusive and welcoming manner to all guests and will not have a dress code in any part of the facility."
The group also states that a minimum wage of no less than $12 an hour for permanent casino workers and contractors will be offered. Of the 2,000 permanent jobs, roughly 750 will be for table games and offer annual salaries of up to $70,000 per year including tips.
Cordish also operates Xfinity Live! and Greenwood is behind the Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The group was selected to develop a second Philadelphia casino in late 2014.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
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