Supervisor: “Great resort” potential
Of all the casino proposals made so far in New York State, the most unusual may be one by the Moreau Town Board to turn a prison into a gaming hall.
According to the Saratogian, the board members want to see slot machines replace cell blocks at the Mount McGregor Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in Saratoga County set to close this month.
“We think it has the potential to be a great resort-type casino,” Moreau Supervisor Preston Jenkins said. “The location is perfect. It isn’t near any residential neighborhoods. It’s only a few miles from Northway Exits 16 and 17. This puts it within reach of the Lake George population and their tourists that show up every year.”
“It could generate significant property tax, sales tax and gaming revenue,” Moreau Councilman Robert Vittengl agreed.
Mount McGregor is also home of the Grant Cottage State Historic Site, where President Ulysses S. Grant died in July 1885. Tim Welch, president of the Friends of Grant Cottage, acknowledged that in the past tourists declined to visit the landmark because of its proximity to a prison.
“I can’t believe a casino would be more of an impediment,” Welch said. “Grant Cottage has had a great history. I believe it has a great future no matter who it shares the mountain with.”
