Lago Resort & Casino developers announced on Wednesday that they have re-submitted to the town of Tyre a 3,000-page environmental review of the $425-million project for the development of a hotel and casino resort.
In July, construction work on the project was stalled by the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court on the grounds that the Tyre Town Board had not assessed the previously submitted review in a proper manner before giving its nod to the future gambling venue.
The Seneca County town is to once again carry out a comprehensive review of the re-submitted environmental plan and to announce its decision whether it meets the provisions of the so-called State Environmental Quality Review Act sometime next month.
The $425-million plan for Lago Resort & Casino is a product of the collaboration between Rochester-based businessman Thomas Wilmot, Chairman of Wilmorite Inc., and M. Brent Stevens, Managing Member of Los Angeles-headquartered investment firm Peninsula Pacific. The two executives said in a statement released on Wednesday that the environmental report would “meet or exceed all environmental standards.”
In addition, Mr. Wilmot and Mr. Stevens noted that the new review is comprehensive enough and is indicative of their determination to fully comply with the provisions of the New York environmental regulations.
Since the expensive project was first introduced, developers have been repeatedly pointing out that if everything goes as planned, Lago Resort & Casino would create numerous and well-paid construction and permanent jobs for residents of the Finger Lakes area, boost tourism, and provide local governments with “much needed revenues.”
Some of the most important points that the 3,000-page environmental review discusses are improved measures for the protection of wetlands, preservation of 24 acres of wildlife areas, the use of alternative solar energy, a comprehensive system for storm water management, etc. Developers also promised that they would provide Tyre with a significantly improved water supply system.
Lago Resort & Casino is one of three casino candidates that were approved by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board last December. The other two favored casino projects were Montreign Resort Casino in Thompson and Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady.
Following a recommendation by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the board re-opened the bidding process for a fourth casino within the state’s borders. Tioga Downs Casino & Racing in Nichols is the sole candidate for the additional license. However, the state Gaming Commission has previously pointed out that it may eventually decide not to approve a fourth casino. The regulator is also yet to grant the above-mentioned three gambling venues their final licenses. This is expected to happen this fall.
