It took us over 40 years – But Sullivan County finally did it!
We will once again become a major player in the tourism industry thanks to the approval of Empire Resorts’ Mega Casino Destination Resort at the Concord.
The Empire Resorts project labeled “Adelaar” is a $1.1 billion compound that will include an 18-story hotel, gaming and entertainment complex called the “Montreign Resort Casino,” housing 2,150 slot machines, 61 table games, and 391 hotel rooms.
The project will also include an 80,000 square foot indoor waterpark, 200,000 square foot entertainment village, a professionally designed golf course, an ice skating rink, ski slopes, as well as many other amenities.
Although it will not happen overnight – The future finally looks bright for Sullivan County as the road towards economic development and revitalization is finally being paved.
Wednesday was a Daily Double win in Sullivan County – Not only did we learn the gaming selections, but it was also the day hydrofracking was banned in New York State.
At the end of the day, after months of nail biting, lobbying, and being frustrated and angry that Orange County would destroy our dreams – We Won!
We finally got the psychological and mental boost we all need. The hills have come alive.
Although we all would have liked two casinos approved in Sullivan County, the door is open to grant us another one in the future.
The approved gaming destinations in New York State are projected to bring in 10,000 jobs and $200 million for schools and property tax relief.
Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to Sullivan County on Thursday to celebrate the Gaming Commission’s decision and he was electrifying as he told the jubilant crowd at Bethel Woods that he was able to accomplish something no Governor before him was able to achieve in New York State – Legalized Casino Resort Destinations.
Cuomo boasted how Casinos belonged in Sullivan County. He spoke about our history and how he would campaign with his father Mario at the Concord and Kutsher’s when he was 16 years old. He noted that although his father was seeking political office in New York City, elected officials would make the trip to Sullivan County to campaign at our resorts because New York City voters were vacationing here.
Cuomo spoke about the coalition put together to push for resort destinations in Sullivan County. He praised Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and State Senator John Bonacic for all their efforts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRjV2itjT6M
State Senator John Bonacic who chairs the State Senate’s Gaming and Racing Committee said of the intent of the gaming legislation, “It was to help those that need it the most and the sitting board got it right.”
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther speaking of Sullivan County said, “I’m proud to be part of a community that has come so close so many times and continued to hold out hope.”
Theatrical Agent Arnold Graham of the Charles Rapp Agency told me, “I am thrilled that the Catskills will once again shine. We booked the entertainment at the Concord, Grossinger’s, Kutsher’s and every major resort, we hope we will have the opportunity to book shows for “Montreign Resort Casino” and be part of Sullivan County’s revitalization.”
Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson said, “Today we all celebrate another step forward toward a new and very exciting future for Sullivan County and the entire Great Empire State.”
Sullivan County Legislator Cora Anne Edwards commenting on the casino decision said, “I felt the same way as I did when sworn in as County Legislator: Inspired and elated by the possibilities and aware of the challenges that still lie ahead.”We still have a lot of work ahead to get our workforce “job-ready” and the time before the license is granted will go very quickly and we want to be prepared.”
Accolades must be given to all the people who worked endlessly to get the vote out in Sullivan County.
Charles Degliomini and Steven Vegliante must also be congratulated for their years of lobbying, hard work and endless efforts to make the Empire Resorts casino resort destination a reality in Sullivan County!
We must also thank all those people who worked so hard throughout the years to bring us resort destinations. All their efforts will never be forgotten. Thank you – Tony Cellini, Leni Binder, and Jake Gunther who began the fight years ago in the Assembly.
Thank you Randy Resnick for your outspoken support and uniting all of us.
We should never forget all the casino projects proposed for Sullivan County that did not become reality and all the people behind them. They kept the fight alive.
From the Stockbridge Munsees, to Mohegan Sun, to Foxwoods, to the Mohawks, to the Senecas – thank you for all of your efforts.
As many of you know, it was the issue of casino resort destinations that originally began my political activism in Sullivan County. I also spent several years working for Rotate Black and the Seneca’s in their attempt to win an Indian Casino license in Sullivan County – We were so close so many times.
It took Governor Andrew Cuomo to finally get legalized casino resort destination legislation approved in New York State and we must all be grateful to him.
Even though it took us over 40 years to get to this point – as Governor Cuomo reminded the crowd at Bethel Woods – “Never Give Up!”
It’s Time to Celebrate – and Get the Party Started!
Gaming Board Decision http://gaming.ny.gov/pdf/12.17.14.GFLBSelection.pdf
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.