Since the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Pennsylvania Gaming Act July 2, the public debate has centered on the economic impact of gambling, the composition of the Gaming Control Board and the rules by which board members can operate.

		Steve Quick and Mary Navarro are co-chairs of the Urban Design Committee of the Riverlife Task Force (info@riverlifetaskforce.org). Mr. Quick is also first vice president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute for Architects.

These are important issues as gambling is big business with estimates of billions of new dollars swelling the commonwealth's coffers in anticipation of reduced property taxes and increased economic development. But what we haven't talked about much at all is where these gaming houses will be located, what they look like and the impact they will have on the physical fabric of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. In fact, the gaming law empowers the Gaming Control Board to pre-empt local zoning codes, hearing local concerns solely at its discretion.

These are equally important issues and a quick look at casinos in other parts of the nation is instructive.

For example, Foxwoods, the ever-expanding Pequot Nation gambling resort in eastern Connecticut, has wreaked havoc on the highways and back-byways of surrounding towns like Norwich, a once-thriving mill town that is struggling to define itself in the post-industrial era. Traffic floods the area on weekends leaving Norwich to suffer under a surge of visitors who don't add much to the local economy but instead tax their roads, police and other services. In Atlantic City, large, anonymous boxes astride the boardwalk quell the remnants of public life in the once-fashionable seaside resort.

With each of Pennsylvania's two largest cities -- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- poised to receive 5,000 slot machines drawing as many as 40,000 people a day, the Riverlife Task Force, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute for Architects, and the Design Advocacy Group of Philadelphia have joined to engage in a cross-state conversation about the impact of gaming on the quality of life in our cities, towns and communities. Selecting the right location for gaming houses and ensuring top-flight design should be a top priority for the Gaming Control Board -- along with issues of licensing, enforcement and professional ethics.

We propose that the following principles be followed so that these establishments benefit rather than damage Pennsylvania's cities and suburbs.

Analyze impact before selecting the site.

The large number of patrons that gaming establishments attract will generate significant automobile and bus traffic. An impact study should precede any discussion on site selection for a gaming establishment. The study should include all issues that will affect the quality of life for those living in, working in or visiting the area. Such issues include access by public and private transportation; pedestrian circulation; service; noise, light and environmental pollution; and effect on existing and new businesses.

* Design to protect and enhance immediate surroundings.

Typically gaming establishments are large buildings that dominate the neighborhoods in which they are located. These buildings should be designed to enhance their immediate surroundings, whether located in the suburbs, small towns, or in the middle of large cities. In urban areas, in particular, the design must be appropriate in massing, scale, material, rhythm, color and detail of construction to avoid damage to existing neighborhoods.

Encourage a variety of uses.

Typically gaming establishments are large, single-use structures. In New Orleans and elsewhere, their large scale and insular design deadens the street and harms the social and economic vitality of the city. To counteract this effect, gaming establishments should be part of mixed-use developments that include theaters, retail, hotels and other related activities. Mixed-used developments appeal to a wide range of users over the course of the day, month and year, stimulating a lively and healthy community.

Include the public in the process.

The public has a strong interest in protecting the quality of the neighborhoods in which these facilities will be located. The siting and design of every gaming establishment should be vetted through an open public process. Experts on the environmental impact of gaming houses, their physical context and their architectural design should be invited to the process to inform the discussion so that the physical impact is understood by the people who will be most affected by these establishments.

It is vital that we have these public conversations now that the final appointments to the Gaming Control Board are almost in place and the board is at the stage of organizing and hiring staff. Good planning and design must be integral from the start and the siting guidelines should be taken up immediately through a transparent and expedited public process. Pennsylvania can become a national leader in the sensitive and thoughtful integration of gaming into the vibrancy of our community life, if ... and it is a big if ... we do not leave these matters to chance.