Casino news source: CBS 3 - http://cbs3.com
Police Preparing For Sands BethWorks Casino
Liz Keptner
Reporting
(CBS 3) BETHLEHEM One of the biggest economic projects in the Lehigh Valley in decades is now officially underway after a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday.
Approximately 200 people attended the Sands BethWorks ceremony launching the $600 million casino, hotel and retail complex on the grounds of the old Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
While it will bring thousands of new jobs, some are worried about an increase in crime and police already are taking action.
At popular lunch spot, Lehigh Pizza in Southside Bethlehem, you'll always find police presence.
With a $600 million dollar casino complex expected to open up right down the street over the next few years, expect to see Bethlehem Police in the area even more.
Although the Sands BethWorks casino complex will have its own in house security force, the Bethlehem Police department will work alongside state police for extra enforcement in the city surrounding the casino.
The department is already preparing itself for what to expect when the casino opens.
"We've actually sent our survey to 17 different police forces nationwide who have casinos, in order to gauge response of the impact on communities with a casino," said Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randall Miller.
Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan said the opening could mean hiring more police officers.
"Anytime you have 17,000 people coming to community, I don't care if they're gambling or coming to shop, you're going to impact public safety. So we're going to make sure when they open their doors, we're ready to deal with that," he said.
But local business owners, like Jim Gouvalis, owner of Lehigh Pizza, are confident Bethlehem Police will be handle it.
"We have a great police force, and I'm sure when the casino comes, they'll have to increase to keep things nice and tight, but it’s a great city and its coming around really big now," he said. |
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