After a Commonwealth Court recently allowed Parx Casino to move its race- and sports-betting business inside the Chickie’s & Pete’s restaurant and bar in South Philadelphia, neighborhood residents have vowed to fight the decision, writes Valerie Russ for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Packer Park Civic Association, which has been fighting Parx’s plans to relocate its gambling venue into the family-friendly neighborhood bar for the last three years, will now appeal the latest decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Chickie’s & Pete’s has been at its current location since 2003 and has been a favorite spot for residents to take their children to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and enjoy a meal.

In court documents, residents listed a possible increase in petty crime and gambling addiction as some of the reasons for their opposition to the move.

However, a three-judge Commonwealth Court panel ruled earlier this week against the neighborhood organization because it has presented only “generalized testimony about the possible pitfalls of legal gambling and testimony from local residents that they oppose the relocation because they feel the character of the neighborhood may be affected.”

The opposition remains firm in their stance, so the fight will continue.

Read more about why the Packer Park Civic Association is fighting gambling inside Chickie’s & Pete’s at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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