Bethlehem council approves Bethlehem Steel plant as casino site

In another marathon meeting punctuated by some laughs, applause and the gavel, Bethlehem City Council signed off on zoning changes that would open up a portion of the old Bethlehem Steel plant to gambling should the state award a slots license for the site.

Council also voted 5-2 on changes that would restrict nuisance businesses — such as adult bookstores, massage parlors and pawns shops — from proliferating near a casino or each other.

''I think it will be a success over the next 10 years,'' Councilman Robert Donchez said. ''And hopefully we can have something that will benefit all of us.''

The 11:45 p.m. votes came during a four-hour meeting that drew more than 150 people. While more people spoke against gambling, the turnout was noteworthy for the people wearing ''BUILD BETHWORKS NOW'' buttons and T-shirts. Fourteen speakers rallied behind how a casino could jump-start an $879 million entertainment district of a museum, shops and restaurants wrapped around a collection of restored Steel buildings.

At the last meeting, when council approved the zoning changes on first reading, 55 of the 58 speakers opposed gambling in the Christmas City. They argued it would breed crime, cause addictions to spiral and ruin the city's quaint character. Some quoted the Bible; others sang hymns outside.

Meanwhile, several community leaders took the podium to restate their support of the project proposed by a team of developers — including the Las Vegas Sands of Nevada. ArtsQuest President Jeffrey Parks referenced how Melbourne, Australia, is an example of how a casino can anchor a cultural and retail project.

Tuesday's vote doesn't close the door on the gambling debate in Bethlehem which started more than a year ago when two councilman proposed banning casinos. That ban failed and Leeson and Mowrer have come up with a proposal to ban table games.

Leeson and Mowrer had floated the idea as an amendment to the zoning changes council had considered Tuesday, a substantial change which would have sent the zoning amendments back to planning. But the councilmen withdrew the amendment change and may pursue the restriction in a separate proposal. If pursued, the proposal would require more public hearings.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is expected to approve the slots licenses for stand-alone casinos Dec. 20.

BethWorks Sands Gaming is one of six players competing for two slots licenses the state will approve for stand-alone casinos.

In Allentown, Aztar Corp. hopes to build a Tropicana hotel and casino.