Gov. David Paterson and the Senate's Republican majority said Thursday the deal is final to put lucrative video slot machines at Aqueduct race track. The project promises to bring more than 1,000 jobs to Queens and $370 million upfront to the state as it faces deepening deficits.But just hours after announcing the agreement in separate statements, Paterson and the Republican majority couldn't even agree if their the deal is the same one that the GOP Senate rejected almost two weeks ago, before the economic development issue became a political issue.
The Aqueduct plan will include a 328,000-foot gaming and entertainment facility for the 4,500 video slot machines, a hotel with as many as 500 rooms, a spa, a 60,000-foot conference center, 3,000-seat "event center," and up to 30,000-square feet of retail space, according to Delaware North Cos. of Buffalo, the winning bidder. The facility is scheduled to be complete in 12 to 14 months, according to the company.
The video slot machines will operate through the state Lottery Division and provide the state at least $10.3 billion earmarked for education over 30 years, according to the agreement.
Aqueduct Video Slots Deal Final
"It will revitalize the neighborhood surrounding the race track and bring new energy to the community," said Sen. Serphin Maltese, a Queens Republican whose district includes Aqueduct.
Delaware North Gets Nod to Develop Queens Racino; Community Groups Peeved
2 comments:
I wonder how much influence Paterson's guy O'Byrne had on this deal? I think he worked closely with another former staffer Paul Francis to push the NYRA's favorite operator delNorth. The whole thing stinks as the community was overruled by the deal makers in Albany. Maybe someone looks into the process and stops the insider transaction form starting.
Thank you Senator Maltese!
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