After the story appeared in the TU about the EG Town Board
approving a resolution favoring the location of a Casino in East Greenbush, I
e-mailed the TU reporter (and the Town Board) with a question as to how the
numbers from the November referendum could be used to support a declaration of
support from the municipality. No
response has been forthcoming. I
followed up with the same question to the reporter’s boss, Rex Smith. Still no response.
I order to make application for locating a Casino, a
developer needs a resolution from the subject municipality. They got one from East
Greenbush based on very dubious support from the community. The whole deal on Thompson Hill smells, and
the whole Board should be held responsible.
I’ve printed below a Comment from Dwight Jenkins submitted
for the previous Post. It appears to me
that the whole bunch has their fingerprints on a back-room deal that community
stake-holders have every right to have a say in.
“On April 6th (see the Comments on the previous Post)
someone named "Larry" asks what I'm going to do when "they"
place a casino up on Thompson Hill. Coincidentally a "Larry" owns the
property and the project called "Thompson
Way" that was illegally approved by the
Planning Board on 1/15/14. This is the same project that Supervisor Langley
tried to blame on the Planning Board last Wednesday night. Somehow he seems to
think that corruption in the Planning Dept. is not his cup of tea and nothing
to concern himself with. Of course, no one else on the Board seems to think
corruption in the Planning Dept. is anything to worry about either, since none
of them batted an eye, but neither did any of them contradict me. So two weeks
ago this "Larry" knows about the casino plans but no one else does-
it doesn't come at the pre-board meeting, but somehow finds its way onto last
Wednesday's agenda, with the misleading statement that not only the State but
also the County and the Town voters essentially approved November's gambling
referendum. In reality, no one knows how East Greenbush
taxpayers feel about a casino in their Town since that's not how the votes were
tallied by the Board of Elections. East Greenbush
has not yet spoken. Hell, until today most them never even saw it coming to
their own town. And another troubling aspect of that resolution: Mr. Langley
talks about the financial windfall a casino would bring to our fiscally
strapped town. Or would it? Are we really fiscally strapped? See, even though
Councilwoman Matters referred to our fiscal "crisis," and
Councilwoman Mangold expressed doubt that even a casino would be enough to get
us out from under our fiscal woes, we don't really know where we stand since
the Supervisor continues to sit on the outside audits we paid more than $30,000
for! Apparently the new comptroller, the one Glenville let go under abnormal
circumstances (Google it), is going to do his own audit of sorts. Unfortunately
the State Comptroller's office doesn't think much of this idea, telling me that
there is no comparison between an in-house audit and an independent outside
audit, especially one that we already paid for. The whole place is corrupt. Mr.
Langley, what ARE you going to do? It's time to come clean.”
----- Dwight Jenkins
All the people of East Greenbush need to do is to look at Atlantic City for the impact of a casino.
ReplyDeleteI lived in NJ when the idea of casinos in Atlantic City was first proposed. All kinds of rosy predictions and positive things were said. The local economy was going to boom.
Decades later, one block off of Atlantic Ave and Atlantic City is still very much a ghetto.
Please people: Remember the FedEx building was going to provide $32 million of positive economic impact. That is the exact figure provided by the chair of the Planning Board and repeated by Phil Malone.
I urge you to try to figure out where that $32 million is hidden and how that same $32 million has benefitted the town.
We were told that people in East Greenbush would receive jobs at FedEx. FedEx transferred every, single one of the jobs in that building.
The best quote I know about economic impact is this:
Imagine 100 people flying into East Greenbush. They get off the plane, give each other $1 million, get back on the plane and fly away.
That's $200 million in "economic impact" as claimed by politicians.
BE CAREFUL folks. Figures lie and liars figure. None better than politicians.
If you recall, the Fed Ex facility was a campaign issue. Ann Taylor said it wouldn't bring that amount of money into town and she used the dollars and a graph shown on the town's website to explain it. The town was kind of informed Fed Ex wasn't going to be a windfall. The county pushed for it too. It isn't so much Phil's fault that the town was snookered on that.
ReplyDeleteI was not accusing Phil of anything. We were all snookered but good and we know the county has to be included in the misrepresentations that were so much a part of the FedEx "deal".
DeleteSuddenly, and I do mean suddenly, we learn we're in line to be one of the sites for a new casino. But I wonder how sudden this is for the town board and the money men of East Greenbush. The group proposing the casino here has to file forms with a $1 million fee by next week. There was a radio report today that they've already bought 72 acres for the project. The Supervisor is using a bullshit statistic from the state referendum to claim that we, the people of this town, have already voiced our approval for this project. I don't use the word 'bullshit' lightly. Even if someone can find the ghost stat that the referendum passed in town 52% - 48% that would only mean that a slight majority of us favored casinos in the state. If we had been asked do we want to change the whole character of our town for a casino the result would have been different. You can't use the results of a survey to answer a question that wasn't asked.
ReplyDeleteThe more important issue is why the supervisor feels a need to fudge public support when there are ways to accurately measure it. Surely they wouldn't approve a project like this without it. Or would they? I can hear them saying the town board would have to approve a site plan and there would be a public hearing. But that would be way too late. All indicators are that the town and county have already signed off on this project. That's why we got a stealth resolution and the supervisor's disingenuous remark that we haven't had a formal application (the formal application isn't made to the town).. That resolution has the stench of the six resolutions that were falsely claimed to be time-sensitive and passed without public comment at a special meeting. Imagine if that town board meeting was tonight. How many people would come? How long would the public comment period take?
I haven't made up my mind about a casino although I'm leaning against it. But this process is undemocratic and for a project that would change this town into something completely different that's a real problem. Imagine if that happens and none of us know how they slipped it past 17,000 people without their even knowing about it.
A casino would change infrastructure demands as well as financial pictures. Please correct me if I am wrong but, my understanding is our water/sewer system is taxed (excuse the pun) with its current usage. A casino would be a heavy burden to the system...should I assume the County would take up the slack? The roads--they are already hard pressed as is evidenced this Spring. How much more traffic would be generated and how much more wear and tear on the Town's roads? I understand State and County take care of their roads. The Police Dept--my understanding was Walmart added quite a bit of labor to the Police Dept due to thefts and small crimes. How much more would the Police Dept's workload increase? It seems there are many questions that need to be answered and the finances have to be groomed with a fine tooth comb because the revenue generated should cover the increased expenses.
ReplyDeleteIf I am misunderstanding something or thinking too simply and being too simple minded with these costs, I ask someone to please correct me.
Thank you.
For the Town to take on such a huge undertaken would require sound leadership in all aspects of every department within the Town. The current police department does not have the manpower to take on the additional calls that would be generated, how about the volunteer fire department or rescue squad, can their manpower cover? Route 4 is definitely not user friendly to handle such a traffic influx, mixing in with Wal-Mart, Home Depot Plaza and all the other new business in that area...FEDEX? I say not, it could actually hurt those businesses, NOT FAIR! Many questions need to be answered first, I would hope that our Town Officials are doing what is best for all the residents of East Greenbush. I believe that is why they were elected.
DeleteWhen I read the article in today's TU all I could think about was Dwight bringing up the Thompson Hill question a few weeks ago. This stinks not only for Dwight, but for every resident in this town.
ReplyDeleteFrom a person that likes to Gamble once in awhile I don't want this in my back yard. Goes to show you, that you can't trust any of the politicians.
NO CASINO HERE!!! PERIOD!!! Route 4 cannot even handle the amount of traffic on it now. This is going to bring in NO tourism. Mass. is getting their own Casinos. They won't be travelling to East Greenbush to gamble. FU town board. You are NOT building this here....
ReplyDelete1,700 Jobs ??? How many jobs came from Fed EX ??? What did we get...lower taxes?,NO,Sidewalks?,No,Traffic...YES.
ReplyDeleteOh wait we will reap millions from a casino; a golf resort; and spa.Bullangley I say.
Someone is getting their palm greased...big time...WHO???
Lets get a resolution for changing the towns name to East Greasebush.
Just think of all the additional traffic that the police can ticket!!! Ever been to traffic court in EG? $150 fine whether you were going 60 or 90... $150....next...$150...next
ReplyDeleteThis board is pulling a fast one. One thing is for sure, Every single member of the board needs to be voted out when their term is up...
Don't forget about Supervisor Langley's open door policy at Town Hall. If anyone has any questions or comments about the East Greenbush Casino all you have to do is stop by Town Hall before lunch time and talk to Supervisor Langley. I'm sure the Supervisor will be happy to answer any questions anyone might have. No appointment is necessary!!!
ReplyDeleteIf there is to be a casino in our town it needs to be on Columbia Turnpike. The Hart and Witbeck properties could be seized by eminent domain. How fitting that would be.
ReplyDeleteThe old K-Mart site would be almost perfect for a casino.
Columbia Turnpike might actually start looking like something other than a deteriorating ghetto.
http://www.troyrecord.com/lifestyle/20140422/details-of-racinos-east-greenbush-gaming-proposal-released
ReplyDeleteCopy and paste this to your browser or pull up the Troy Record for this article. Thompson Hill, in part due to its view, is a considered site for the casino. It seems very strange that nobody has heard much about this until now and yet it seems as if it is a very well thought out project. For property owners in EG--it can be a scary project and residents should consider becoming deafeningly vocal about this "potential" project. It would be a huge drain on our infrastructure demands and our infrastructure is limping along as it is. Not to mention property values in EG declining because, who wants a casino in their backyard??? It is difficult enough trying to sell a home in EG due to the TAXES, imagine if the homes are neighbored with a casino.
EG has:
ReplyDeletean Adult book store
an OTB
Tatoo parlors
so what the heck--slap up a casino and make this the new SIN CITY!
Honest to God, the Town is becoming such a moral and ethical toilet. The elected officials are corrupt and that corruption is oozes all over Town.
They just reported on the radio that the $1,000,000 application fee for the casino rights is not refundable! By the way, where are they getting the money for this!!!
ReplyDeleteCorrection! It now looks that most of it will be refunded(administrative costs)
ReplyDeleteHere's the piece from the Troy Record. Note the reference to the "support" from East Greenbush.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.troyrecord.com/lifestyle/20140422/details-of-racinos-east-greenbush-gaming-proposal-released
And another from the TU:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/local/article/New-spin-in-casino-race-5422795.php
At least SOME municipalities are involving the citizenry. Around here, BOTH parties conspired to keep the matter secret.
I'm keeping my schedule open for 8:45 AM for Friday Morning in anticipation of Supervisor Langley scheduling a "Special" Town Board meeting to consider the East Greenbush Casino proposal.
ReplyDeleteAnd the purpose of that Meeting should be to rescind the Resolution in Support - in contemplation of scheduling a referendum to determine the position of the PEOPLE of East Greenbush on the matter. The current Board used numbers from the November referendum on whether there should be Casinos in NY State to support its vote on the Resolution. According to the Board of Elections numbers, you cannot determine how East Greenbush voted on the state-wide matter. And even if EG residents supported the state-wide issue, that is not the question related to whether there should be a Casino in East Greenbush. Perhaps they're not bright enough to see the difference.
DeleteI will also keep my schedule open to attend Friday's early special meeting. 65-2014 resolution reads, "a resolution In Support of Proposals for Casino Sites within the Town of East Greenbush."
DeleteI am such a dunce! How stupid of me not to know that the Saratoga Racino (or anyone/anything)with money gets to tell us, the citizens of East Greenbush, what we will or won't have in our town!!
ReplyDeleteI just read on TWC about "the decision"!
I'm fed up!
Hey Dwight, it's Jordan from the TU. I don't think I got an email from you, unless it was quarantined by our spam. Try me at jcarleo-evangelist@timesunion.com or give me a ring at 454-5445.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember right, Supervisor Langley said, to clarify, the resolution was only to CONSIDER PROPOSALS for a casino. That was my take on his statement. I'm surprised by what the local news media is saying like the rest of you. It all feels like a dream unfolding. You're right Gadfly, the Town Board gave a full yes on the resolution.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that we have Rita Cox (the VP and Flack for the developer) running around to the media outlets saying that they are grateful for the support of the EG community.
DeleteSue Mangold apparently said on YNN last night that there should be input from the Community. Here's a suggestion Sue.....Call for a Special Board Meeting to call for and schedule a Referendum on the issue. You are one of 5 people (in a pool of 17,000) in a position to do just that.
Dear Bonnie L. 12:52 PM,
DeleteI also believed after hearing Mr. Langley's clarification, that the resolution was only to CONSIDER PROPOSALS for a casino. However in today's Times-Union, Supervisor Langley was quoted as saying: "The intention of the resolution was to give the developer an opportunity to file an application by the deadline on June 30th."
I hope all is well with you,
Tom
Random thoughts on the casino:
ReplyDeleteHow did the developers complete the purchase of 72 acres in town without anyone knowing?
Why do they believe the town will agree to re-zone that land since it isn't currently zoned for that use?
Do serious businessmen buy 72 acres and lay down a million bucks on the off-chance the town will approve the project?
Was the resolution purposely kept off the pre-board agenda so that there would be no turnout or public comment when the resolution came up for a vote? You know, the way they appointed the Board of Ethics (which is nice to have in your pocket when you pull stunts like this).
So the question now is the old Watergate question: what did he know and when did he know it? Because it really doesn't seem likely that the supervisor knew about this six hours before the last town board meeting, which is when the resolution went on the town website.
Other questions:
Why was the position of director of planning eliminated four months before the most important planning issue in the entire history of this town?
Why was a republican county legislator appointed to the position of attorney to the planning board?
Why is Kathy Jimino all over the media extolling the financial benefits of this project when the quality of life impact won't be felt where she lives?
Why is the spokesperson for the developer thanking us for being so supportive of this project when our entire community was silenced?
If we aren't allowed a referendum to approve this project, the referendum will happen if Keith Langley dares to run for re-election. Unfortunately for him, the majority on the town board doesn't get to schedule the election.
Jack--great questions!
ReplyDeleteInteresting to note that Supervisor Langley is telling the T.U. that he has not received many calls, "“There has not been a lot of response. We’re getting a few (calls) here and there, but there hasn’t been a lot yet. And they’re mixed,” Langley said. “The phone’s not ringing off the hook. There’s not a lot to talk about until the gamer really starts explaining himself.” copied from this article, http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/211251/will-east-greenbush-need-another-casino-resolution/.
Supervisor Langley should also start explaining himself and Jack's questions are a great place to start.
If you recall, the County Legislature was in favor of Fed Ex--and they supported it quite loudly and made it uncomfortable for any candidates running on the Republican line who were publicly opposed or who wanted more information and/or clarification of numbers. Both parties were Fed Ex cheerleaders. Thus the reason it does not surprise me that the County is jumping on this bandwagon as well.
This must be a nightmare - somebody pinch me please! These secretive malicious SWF clowns can't handle the town's business now - what the heck would they do if a casino came to EGB?! Are we going to have anything left to be proud of by 2015?? Went to Atlantic City last year and all you saw from the hotel windows were slums - wasn't a decent neighborhood left within miles of those casinos. We can't handle the volume of traffic on route 4 now - what would it be like with a casino in place?? You can't convince me that they didn't know someone was buying up all that land for just this purpose. There's been some sneaky dealings going on here and it's time to stop them. Get 'em out of office now!
ReplyDeleteLet's take a brief look at the Langley/ SWF Majority Record of Town Board Activity:
ReplyDelete1. A botched Organizational Meeting;
2. A "Special" Friday Morning Meeting to appoint Langley/ SWF majority appointments to the Town Ethics Board without public comment;
3. Requiring Certain Town Board members to FOIL for Monthly Town Expenditure Expenses; and
4 .Making a Motion for a Town Board Vote on a flawed "generic" non specific pro- Casino Resolution,posted on the Town's Website less than six hours prior to the Town Board meeting.
Not good, Mr. Langley, not good at all.
Resolution 66–2014, extending the open public privilege policy of the Town of East Greenbush to Special Town Boad Meetings. Whereas, ...wishes to extend the open public privilege as a means for residents to express ideas and concerns at Special Town Board Meetings ... The vote was 4 yes with a no vote from Supervisor Langley. The pre-board meetings may be excluded from public comments. Am I right on the pre-board meetings, anyone?
ReplyDeletecorrect
DeleteMAM amended to exclude pre-board meetings as if SWF listens to anything said
Has the land already been sold to the developer of this would be Casino? If so then there is no way someone is buying that land without being real sure his idea would become a reality.
ReplyDeleteThe calendar is not operational on the town's website. Where do I find info. regarding a Special Meeting Friday?
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is one, Bonnie. I think somewhere along the line, somebody suggested that one would be appropriate to schedule a referendum on the Casino issue.
DeleteI you don't think the Board and Planning Board is not "bought and paid for" by the people who consider themselves "shot callers" in this Town, take a look at this by Dwight Jenkins. Makes you sick.
ReplyDeletehttp://eastgreenbushdreams.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/a-thorny-little-project/
What do Phil and Sue think about the casino coming to Town? If the Dems were against it, it would take me two minutes to join the Dem Party.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing-I could not be more disappointed in MAM.
If the Anony who submitted the comment about an alleged recent "investment" by two "shot-caller" Families in EG wants to sign their name, I'll print the comment.
ReplyDeleteIn the TU today, it says Schenectady may have thrown it's hat into the Casino ring... They can have it!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/211363/schenectady-may-be-in-the-casino-game/