More details are emerging about casino plans for upstate New York State, and the number of bidders continues to grow.
Kansas City-based EPR Properties and Empire Resorts recently unveiled a proposal for a $750 million resort dubbed Adelaar (Dutch for “eagle”) on 1,700 acres in the Catskills. It would include a 1,100-room hotel, casino and an indoor waterpark at the site of the former Concord Resort in Sullivan County.
“We believe Adelaar is exactly the type of development envisioned by the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act,” said Emanuel Pearlman, chairman of the board of Empire Resorts, in a statement. “We are pleased that after three years of intense planning and preparation, our proposed casino and four-star hotel is already designed, and we can begin to build without delay.”
At least a dozen developers have issued plans for casino resorts in the Catskills and several other regions.
Schenectady could be a contender in Capital Region, according to the Schenectady Daily Gazette. The Rotterdam-based Galesi Group hopes to build on a 60-acre waterfront plot that once housed the American Locomotive Company. The Alco plant closed in 1969.
“I’ve been approached by people and had people on our property who have asked if we would consider our site for a casino,” said David Buicko, COO of the Galesi Group. “We have a great site here, and whether somebody wants to put a movie studio or a big-box store or a casino in, we’re interested if it helps Schenectady.”
The Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohicans and its partner, Trading Cove New York are looking to build a non-Indian casino on 330 acres in the Town of Thompson. Developer Louis Cappelli and the Mohegan Gaming Authority also have a project in the works on a small part of the former Concord resort. Foxwoods and Muss Development plan to develop a “right size” casino resort at the old Grossinger’s property in Liberty. And a Nevele resort project near Ellenville is nearing the end of the environmental review process.
Officials are also trying to market the Mount McGregor Correctional Facility in Saratoga County.
According to the New York Times, the herd is likely to thin in the coming weeks, when applicants are required put up a $1 million nonrefundable fee. The winning bidders also will have to show they are capable of developing quickly. EPR and Empire say they could be ready to break ground within 30 days.
