A five hour hearing has seen a City Council committee vote unanimously in support of a zoning change, that may allow Foxwoods Casino to build a slots parlor in the Center City. Currently located in South Philadelphia, Foxwoods wishes to move it to the Gallery shopping mall on Market Street.

The hearing met with public demonstrations against the changes, with adults and children alike marching with placards. Approximately sixty people gave testimony as to the dangers of casinos, painting them as destroyers of families, and recounting personal encounters with gambling addicts.

The vote must now go to the full Council, and by no means is a certainty. The location and social impact will yet be considered, as well as what the parlor may bring to the area. Detailed studies and plans must be produced as a part of the process, and cannot progress until the zoning plans pass by the council first.