Last month, the gaming control board ordered Foxwoods' partners to file arguments by Tuesday, explaining why they should not lose their license. Steve Cozen, representing Foxwoods, sent word his firm "will answer the complaints by the deadline and file other documents."
The site along the Delaware River in South Philadelphia is overrun with weeds these days as neighborhood opposition remains stiff and the developers continue desperately searching for a managing partner and infusion of investment money.
The plan was awarded a gaming license by the state back in late 2006, but Foxwoods has been on the ropes for two months since veteran casino mogul Steve Wynn withdrew from the project, three days after presenting his plans to Pennsylvania's gaming control board.
Wynn was going to be the developer as well as financial backer of the project.
Foxwoods has asked for an extension of the deadline to assemble a new investment game plan that was turned down by the state.
In the meantime a bill is moving through the general assembly, introduced by State Senator John Wozniak, who wants to move Foxwoods' license to Johnstown, in his district. A key state House committee has already approved a bill to make the license available anywhere else in Pennsylvania.
Three miles north along the river, there is no such intrigue at the Sugarhouse Casino site, where construction continues at a fever pitch with a grand opening still scheduled for September. Foxwoods' troubles are no doubt good news for the Sugarhouse crowd. They will be the only game in town for the foreseeable future.
A spokesman for the gaming control board says the process of revoking the Foxwoods license is moving forward. The board will not take up Foxwoods' appeal for an extension until its next scheduled meeting on June 10th.
