PENNSYLVANIA Proposed casino concerns officials

One investment group believes a casino could help boost city tourism.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) -- Some city leaders are worried that legalized gambling could damage Bethlehem's effort to build a reputation as "The Christmas City."
For decades, the former steel town has promoted its historical district, its quaint shops and holiday craft shows, carriage rides and a family-friendly atmosphere in an attempt to lure tourists.
But the main attraction in Bethlehem would almost certainly become gambling if an investment group gets its wish and wins one of the state's coveted licenses to open a slot-machine parlor.
The proposed casino, on property that was once part of the massive Bethlehem Steel complex along the Lehigh River, would likely create jobs and produce millions of dollars in revenue for the city and the county.
Possible change
Some officials, though, are questioning whether the financial boon would be worth the potential change in the city's character.
"I think whoever gets the casino is going to be regarded as a 'Johnny One Note' that will become the reputation of the town," said city Councilman Joseph F. Leeson Jr. "It would eclipse everything else."
He said he was concerned that a slot-machine parlor could be a magnet for prostitution, narcotics or organized crime.
BethWorks Now, the investment group lobbying to open the slot-machine parlor, said it believes a casino could blend nicely with the city's other tourism efforts.
"Whatever we do, we want it to be tasteful," said Barry Gosin, chief executive officer of Newmark & amp; Co. Real Estate and a principal of BethWorks Now.
Licenses
Pennsylvania is soon to begin what is expected to be a highly politicized process of deciding who will get 14 licenses to operate slot machines.
Most of the licenses have been earmarked for racetracks, resorts, or yet-to-be determined facilities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but Bethlehem is in the running for one of two nontrack, nonresort licenses outside the big cities. T.J. Rooney, the state Democratic chairman, represents the Bethlehem area in the state House.
The city might only have a limited say in whether BethWorks Now gets a casino. State law gives sole authority over legalized gambling to the state gaming commission, although some legislators have proposed giving local zoning officials some power over where a slots parlor could be placed and what it looks like.