Andrew Cuomo, the current governor of New York, congratulated Schenectady for being one of the three places within the territory of the state where a new gambling venue is to be built. The Rivers Casino & Resort’s application was backed by the Gaming Facility Location Board a few days ago.
The facility is supposed to be part of a $300-million waterfront complex in downtown Schenectady. Chicago-based gaming operator Rush Street Gaming is going to work together with the popular real estate developer Galesi Group on this multi-million project. The two companies’ primary goal is to turn one of the country’s most polluted places into a large casino.
The venue is expected to offer to its visitors and guests 1,150 slot machines, 66 gaming tables, two hotels, a steakhouse, a spa, various stores, etc. In addition, the project also includes the construction of a harbor for 50 boats.
Jeff Stark, the current president of the so-called Greater Capital Region Building & Construction Trades Council, pointed out that the new hotel and casino venue is expected to create about 1,400 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs, once it is complete and ready for launch.
Stark commented that the construction of the property will not only create a great number of jobs, but will also attract tourists. What is more, the revenues that will be generated from gambling activities will boost the local economy and will bring “new life and energy to a city that once was an industrial beacon of the world.”
Gov. Cuomo pointed out that the economies of several upstate New York cities were affected in quite a negative manner when international manufacturing gained greater popularity and became a common practice.
He also commented on the fact that state’s administration has done its best to lower corporate and manufacturing levies, so as for entrepreneurs to be able to start their businesses more easily. Furthermore, Gov. Cuomo pointed to Rush Street and Schenectady County Community College’s collaboration. They both are mainly focused on the creation of jobs for the graduates of the school’s gaming program.
Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady, commented on the benefits the gaming program in the above-mentioned college will bring to the city and its residents.
According to Assemblyman Phil Steck, the participation of Galesi Group in the project was one of the main reasons it was backed by the Gaming Facility Location Board. He also commented that the construction of the new casino is good for the revitalization of the area. Moreover, this will contribute to the elimination of brownfield.
Gov. Cuomo managed to congratulate the residents of Sullivan County after the project for the Montreign Resort Casino, which is to be located in the area, got the nod. However, he could not take part in the celebrations for the third winning gambling venue – the Lago Resort & Casino, due to unfavorable weather conditions.
