For more than two months, Schenectady has been favored to receive a full casino license in the Capital Region. But, what wasn't known was why other area applicants just didn't stack up. Now the State Gaming Commission released its full report Friday with all the details. Geoff Redick reports.
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Almost as much as it took a good bid to win a casino recommendation in Schenectady, it took shortfalls for the other bids to lose their own chances.
In Schoharie County, Howe Caverns Casino fell victim to a sloppy application with miscalculated revenue predictions. The Gaming Facility's Board said Howe Caverns' design was unimaginative, and lacked diverse entertainment options. Plus, the project team failed to work on their plan with local government officials, further clouding their appeal to the state.
The Capital View Casino and Resort in East Greenbush was strong at first glance; but belied a more rickety proposal. The commission found Capital View didn't take advantage of its great view: only one restaurant showcased the great view of Albany. A strong community opposition finally proved too much for the casino to overcome.
So it was left to Hard Rock Rensselaer to battle Schenectady for the casino license. The strong national name, Hard Rock, turned out to be just that: a name. The Hard Rock company did not lend any equity to the project, and that hurt Rensselaer's chances.
But the final blow, might be a blessing in disguise. The board found that Rensselaer, despite some problems, is still on better financial footing, and in a wealthier county, than Schenectady.
In other words: the Electric City just needed a casino more.
It's still not a done deal for Schenectady to receive a full casino license. The State Gaming Commission is expected to finalize licenses in the weeks and months ahead.
Neither officials in Rensselaer or Schenectady, were willing to comment Friday on the Gaming Commission's report.