After the three bidders for a casino license in the Catskills/Hudson Valley area have been bickering for almost a year, they have finally decided to make peace.
Representatives of the losing Orange and Ulster Counties have decided to meet an official from Montreign Resort Casino, the venue that was given the nod by the Gaming Facility Location Board back in December 2014, in order to develop strategies for the success of the multi-million project as well as for the well-being of the region.
The first of the several meetings, which are expected to take place in the months to come, was held yesterday, February 18. Charles Degliomini, currently taking the position of a vice president of Empire Resorts, the company which will manage the Montreign property, met with Steve Neuhaus, executive of Orange County, and Scott Samuelson, Legislature Chairman of Sullivan County, as well as with members of their teams.
Moreover, a separate meeting was held between Mr. Degliomini, Mike Hein, executive of Ulster County, and an official who is in charge of the county’s economic development.
Mr. Degliomini pointed out that the three counties have no reason to continue the heated disputes. He also shared that Montreign needs some assistance, so as to be able to train a total of 2,300 employees to build and operate the casino, which according to initial plans will spread over a 1,700-acre site. In addition, the workers need to be provided with proper housing. The casino operator also needs to make sure that veterans, women, and minorities are also employed.
Mr. Degliomini also suggested officials from the region should adopt a common strategy that would ensure its well-being.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced that he is calling a summit with representatives of local businesses, so as to make sure that they will provide Montreign with sufficient capital. The meeting is to be held later today.
Yet, Mr. Degliomini emphasized that at present, Sullivan County is of paramount importance to him. However, Montreign being such a large-scale project means that the county cannot manage it all by itself and therefore, needs some help from its neighbors.
Mr. Samuelson pointed out that his county should definitely take advantage of all the benefits the construction of the casino might bring.
As for Mr. Neuhaus, he shared that about 23,000 veterans reside in Orange County and they will be more than happy to take part in the construction and the operation of the $1.1-billion hotel and casino resort. The executive also pointed out that this large project will certainly boost local economy and create a lot of opportunities for its residents.
