The Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady has paid its million fee to secure a full gaming license for the casino slated to open early next year.
Located along Erie Boulevard in Schenectady, the city will receive $2.5 million of the fee amount, and Schenectady County also gets $2.5 million. Another $5 million will go to surrounding counties, leaving the state with the $40 million balance from the fee.
The Galesi Group’s $480 million casino project on Mohawk Harbor is intended to boost local tourism and increase economic activity. Although the casino is the site’s major component, it also includes retail, dining, and entertainment space, to help improve its appeal to the entire community and provide more than just gaming opportunities.
Among its plans are a lagoon with a 50-boat slip on Mohawk Harbor, two hotels, condominiums, a bike path, walking path, and other amenities.
Local officials also agreed to rename the streets surrounding the casino development. The streets will be named Rush Street, Harborside Drive, and Mohawk Harbor Way.
