The construction of the proposed Lago Resort & Casino, a $425-million venue to be located in New York’s Finger Lakes area, unleashed new waves of public discontent as Oneida and Ontario county workers rallied on Tuesday at the New York State Capitol.
Protesters aim at preventing the state Gaming Commission from licensing the proposed casino project. Lago Resort & Casino is one of four proposals for full-scale casino resorts in Upstate New York. The state gambling regulator is currently reviewing the projects and is expected to grant the necessary casino licenses by the end of 2015.
On Tuesday, government officials, Oneida Nation representatives, workers at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, and other interested parties once again called for the Finger Lakes proposal to be blocked as it would have a negative impact on local economy and jobs in the region. What is more, if launched, Lago Reosrt & Casino would put the viability of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack at serious risk.
Steve Martin, Director of Marketing for the existing Finger Lakes gambling venue, said that the new resort would take jobs from already established facilities in the region and “shift them around.” In addition, the state would not have any net gain and the new casino would by no means contribute to the revitalization of Upstate New York, Mr. Martin added.
Dana Sovocool, Oneida Indian Nation Human Resources Vice President, commented that the Lago Resort & Casino project would probably “create significant turmoil” for a great number of workers and would undermine the tribe’s efforts to “create a stable, secure, and vibrant labor force” for the Finger Lakes region.
Commenting on the Tuesday rally, Steven Greenberg, spokesperson for Lago Resort & Casino, called it a “phony” one. Mr. Greenberg added that it was backed by local gambling venues that want to maintain the established monopoly in the area.
The spokesman said that Lago developers would remain focused on their goal to launch the best casino resort in Upstate New York, creating 1,800 temporary construction jobs and 1,800 permanent ones. What is more, they expect the venue to increase tourism and create numerous economic opportunities for Finger Lakes residents.
Mr. Greenberg also noted that once operational, Lago Resort & Casino would contribute funds to county and local governments that do not receive anything from the Oneida Nation and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.
As protesters rallied at the State Capitol, foundation blocks were laid at the Lago Resort & Casino site in Seneca County. The floor plan for the project as well as related resorts have long been ready. More plans for the proposed casino resort are to be revealed once the state gambling regulator announces its decision whether it would grant the necessary license.
