The plan for the development of the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, New York was reviewed by the city Planning Commission. The $450-million project is one of the three that were approved by the state Gaming Facility Location Board in December 2014.
Rotterdam-based real estate developer Galesi Group is in charge of the construction of the multimillion project.
Shane Mahar, who is taking the position of Deputy Director of Media Relations and Communications at the New York Thruway Authority and the Canal Corp., stated that the developer received the necessary use and occupancy permit to build a 50-mooring marina next to the Rivers Casino & Resort.
Thus, the Galesi Group, which is to work together with Chicago-based gambling operator Rush Street Gaming, will be allowed to use the river bank and canal water in order to be able to fill the boat basin.
A few months ago, the developer was given the nod to widen the bank where its property and the harbor are to be located.
Mr. Mahar explained that the Galesi Group now has the necessary permits to move forward on its marina project. He also stated that the agency is well-aware of the importance of this major venture for the city and the state, as a whole.
The marina permit comes only a day after the city Planning Commission backed the casino and resort plan, after Galesi and Rush Street representatives presented commission members with more information about parking, the connections to the main city roads, and other infrastructure matters.
The two companies, however, will have to meet city planning officials several more times, as the commission needs to give its approval for each of the buildings the multimillion property is to feature.
Galesi and Rush Street representatives will have to attend a commission meeting on April 15, at which officials will review the site plan for the construction of a 124-room hotel.
The 60-acre property, located at the former ALCO site, will also feature a casino floor with 1,150 slot machines and 66 gaming tables. Site plans for this particular building will be presented to the Planning Commission in May.
Planning officials will also review certain design matters such as landscaping, signage, and lightning at a separate meeting.
Galesi announced that a second hotel will be built at some point in future. Furthermore, the multimillion property is to feature a multistory car park with room for 1,700 vehicles, market-rate apartments, etc.
