Just got my second copy of Casino Journal (courtesy of the the Republican Chair, I think). It's chock full of ideas as to how relieve people of their cash. But I think it's time to focus on what the Capital View people are trying to pull off with regard to the zoning issue. The way I see it, if you accept their interpretation of the Gaming Law, a casino with all amenities could over-ride all local zoning laws in every municipality in the State of New York. They could even put one on Langley Lane or Werking Road without much trouble. Here's an analysis of the issue from "No East Greenbush Casino" with more to come. Let's get the discussion started.
"* § 1366. Zoning. Notwithstanding any
inconsistent provision of law, gaming authorized at a location pursuant to this
article shall be deemed an approved activity for such location under the
relevant city, county, town, or village land use or zoning ordinances, rules,
or regulations.
This is why we were at the Legion Hall last night, to help the Town's Zoning
Board interpret this section of the 2013 New York Consolidated Laws
PML - Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, Article 13 - DESTINATION
RESORT GAMING
Title 8 - (1364 - 1367) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS, 1366 - Zoning.
That's the clumsy full reference. In case you were wondering what the ZBA's
role in this was, read this from the Town's web site: "The Town of East Greenbush Comprehensive Zoning Law,
latest revision June 11, 2008 was adopted to promote and effectuate the orderly
physical development in the town in accordance with the Town’s Comprehensive
Master Plan. The law addresses the use of property, whether residential,
commercial or industrial, including but not limited to: buildings, additions,
parking areas, driveways, signs, sheds, garages, swimming pools, decks,
gazebos, and major landscaping. The ordinance is administered daily and
enforced by the Department of Building and Development. All interpretation
questions, variances, and special use permits are handled by the Board of
Appeals."
Bottom line, as Acting Chairman Thomas Calamaras repeatedly reiterated, we
were there to help the Board resolve the apparent conflict between the State's
Gaming Law and the Town's revised, 6 year old Zoning Law. Call me simple, but
even a 6 year old can see what the issue here is: Albany Attorney Tom West, of
the West Law Firm (specializing in Real Estate Development, Oil and Gas,
Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Business Development, and yes,
Public Integrity) contends that it only makes sense that the Gaming Act intends
that a casino, with all it's attendant and required amenities (bars,
restaurants, 500 square foot retail spaces, parking garages, 3-star boutique
hotels, child care centers, etc.) is pre-authorized to plop a destination
casino relying on locals for 90% of its revenues anywhere it damn well pleases,
including the woods or fields right next to or behind your house, regardless of
local zoning laws. Ask yourself: does this really make sense? That's the issue
at stake, the issue the Zoning Board wants your help interpreting.
I know that most of you are not attorneys, and that even if you were there
would be some disagreement with Tom West's position. In fact, we heard from at
least three lawyers last night whose interpretations of Section 1366 varied
wildly from Tom West's position. There were about twenty or more other people
who aren't attorneys who likewise took issue with Tom West's position, and each
of them made more sense to me than Tom West. Using his logic, the developer,
with the Town's blessing, could have sited this casino at the Town Park.
It's pretty there, with natural beauty and a body of polluted water the Town
can't or won't fix, and there's plenty of land. What a wonderful community
asset. Millions of investment dollars could make that place shine! There's also
two housing developments right at the top of the hill, but no worries- Section
1366 allows it. What about the huge parcel of land adjacent to the High School
on the North and East sides?
What if the land owner wanted to put it there?
Great place for it, actually, since Capital View has already promised us
community soccer fields and lower school taxes (a promise disputed by
Superintendent Nagle). They could rename the school Capital View High. Section
1366 trumps all other laws, so why not? Or that big tract of land next to the
cemetery along the South side of 3rd Ave Extension, right across the road from
that big housing development. Could it go there? According to Mr. West YES,
even there! Here, there, anywhere under Section 1366. The unmarked dead, back
in the woods under generations of dead leaves, would certainly not protest,
though the living living in nearby condos might. But it wouldn't matter: 1366
allows it! Pick a pack of parcels anywhere in Town big enough to accommodate a
$300 million casino (Hard Rock proved you can do it on as little as 24 acres)
and imagine a casino there. Mr. West says it can be done under Section 1366 of
the law.
Now take your pretend lawyer cap off for a minute and think like a
reasonable adult: is this really what 1366 is getting at, or is it merely
saying that a casino can now legally go (remember, casinos were not lawful before
last year) wherever those needed amenities are already allowed or where the
community is willing to rezone to allow those uses? In other words, every other
proposed site in the Capital District except ours? "Notwithstanding."
Can't get past it with 1366. It's "Nothard." Even a six year old can
see that."
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Gift Subscription
As some of you may know, the juvenile bunch in town gave me a subscription to Casino Journal. With it comes e-mail updates and a newsletter. Here's the article in the first newsletter I got. Give it a serious read and try to understand the nature of the "product" of the casino industry and what it DOESN'T contribute to the life of communities. Following this article, I've included a link to a brand new piece on the Public Health effects of gambling. How anyone could try to say that our Town's administration's decision to invite this abomination here was a good and decent one hasn't done their homework.
""Attitudinal Loyalty and the Casino Customer
With the rapid expansion in casinos and other gaming opportunities, casinos are under a new type of pressure to make sure that their player loyalty program is both unique and effective. Loyalty programs have been around for some time now and are an integral part of a casino’s success; however recent trends indicate that the need for attitudinal loyalty is becoming more of a significant piece of player loyalty as a whole.
Loyalty has consistently been defined by the reflection of repeat user experience and/or the expression of a favorable attitude toward such a behavior. Traditionally, most casinos measure player loyalty in terms of behavioral loyalty which focuses on measuring a player’s frequency of visits, purchase behavior or the worth of the player to the brand, which essentially attributes to players spending behaviors. Attitudinal loyalty has been defined as capturing the effective and cognitive aspects of loyalty and gaining brand loyalty by investing in developing an emotional connection. Due to increased competition in the gaming industry, casinos need to integrate behavioral loyalty and attitudinal loyalty by segmenting players based on attitudinal variables, which include memorable experiences, sense of commitment, trust value, and overall satisfaction. Recent trends show the best way to retain these players is to build attitudinal loyalty by evoking emotion and establishing a sense of community within your player loyalty program.
When players join a specific loyalty program there are three benefits that will allow them to feel a sense of community. The first benefit is membership where players feel a sense of belonging. Casinos can foster this sense of belonging by offering players a unique space to socialize and share experiences through the distribution of rewards at events. Many VIP players, regardless of the programs specifics, tend to have similar experiences in regard to their routine interaction within the casino. They often frequent the same slot machines, table games, restaurants, shows and player-exclusive engagements. By holding a player-only socializing event by tier or for all players, you can foster relationships between players, which will in turn keep the conversation about a casino property prevalent, interesting and engaging. Players will begin to develop personal relationships and have a stronger sense of emotional commitment with the casino and will be less likely to switch to a competitor.
Secondly, membership allows a player to have a sense of influence—in other words, that their opinions matter. Players generally spend a valuable amount of time and money at casino properties, which in turn, establishes a sense of entitlement. They believe they deserve to be heard and should have significant input on future endeavors within the loyalty program. Casinos can engage players’ opinions by routinely reaching out for feedback that includes what type of incentives players would ideally like to receive, popular brands and products, and what type of events they find most rewarding. By showing players you value their opinions it builds a sense of loyalty.
Lastly, but most importantly, the third membership benefit is integration, incentives and creating an elite experience players desire. The more time and effort spent on these players, reinforces attitudinal variables that leave lasting impressions on a player’s perception of a property and in turn keeps them invested in a brand. Casinos must be unique and thought provoking when implementing events for players, as run-of-the-mill events will negatively impact their perception. Choosing the most impactful incentives to accompany an event will increase players worth and strengthen the connection. Standard rewards simply include giving players items with a perceived high-trophy value.
When programs implement an event along with a high-trophy value item, the perception by players is one of true value and worth, as the casino invested not only money but strategically created and implemented an engaging experience to connect with their players. During events, players are able to engage with other players, casino personnel and enjoy time with the loved ones they chose to accompany them to the event, creating an overall experience the modern day player craves."
Now read this!!!
http://the2x2project.org/gambling-public-health/
""Attitudinal Loyalty and the Casino Customer
With the rapid expansion in casinos and other gaming opportunities, casinos are under a new type of pressure to make sure that their player loyalty program is both unique and effective. Loyalty programs have been around for some time now and are an integral part of a casino’s success; however recent trends indicate that the need for attitudinal loyalty is becoming more of a significant piece of player loyalty as a whole.
Loyalty has consistently been defined by the reflection of repeat user experience and/or the expression of a favorable attitude toward such a behavior. Traditionally, most casinos measure player loyalty in terms of behavioral loyalty which focuses on measuring a player’s frequency of visits, purchase behavior or the worth of the player to the brand, which essentially attributes to players spending behaviors. Attitudinal loyalty has been defined as capturing the effective and cognitive aspects of loyalty and gaining brand loyalty by investing in developing an emotional connection. Due to increased competition in the gaming industry, casinos need to integrate behavioral loyalty and attitudinal loyalty by segmenting players based on attitudinal variables, which include memorable experiences, sense of commitment, trust value, and overall satisfaction. Recent trends show the best way to retain these players is to build attitudinal loyalty by evoking emotion and establishing a sense of community within your player loyalty program.
When players join a specific loyalty program there are three benefits that will allow them to feel a sense of community. The first benefit is membership where players feel a sense of belonging. Casinos can foster this sense of belonging by offering players a unique space to socialize and share experiences through the distribution of rewards at events. Many VIP players, regardless of the programs specifics, tend to have similar experiences in regard to their routine interaction within the casino. They often frequent the same slot machines, table games, restaurants, shows and player-exclusive engagements. By holding a player-only socializing event by tier or for all players, you can foster relationships between players, which will in turn keep the conversation about a casino property prevalent, interesting and engaging. Players will begin to develop personal relationships and have a stronger sense of emotional commitment with the casino and will be less likely to switch to a competitor.
Secondly, membership allows a player to have a sense of influence—in other words, that their opinions matter. Players generally spend a valuable amount of time and money at casino properties, which in turn, establishes a sense of entitlement. They believe they deserve to be heard and should have significant input on future endeavors within the loyalty program. Casinos can engage players’ opinions by routinely reaching out for feedback that includes what type of incentives players would ideally like to receive, popular brands and products, and what type of events they find most rewarding. By showing players you value their opinions it builds a sense of loyalty.
Lastly, but most importantly, the third membership benefit is integration, incentives and creating an elite experience players desire. The more time and effort spent on these players, reinforces attitudinal variables that leave lasting impressions on a player’s perception of a property and in turn keeps them invested in a brand. Casinos must be unique and thought provoking when implementing events for players, as run-of-the-mill events will negatively impact their perception. Choosing the most impactful incentives to accompany an event will increase players worth and strengthen the connection. Standard rewards simply include giving players items with a perceived high-trophy value.
When programs implement an event along with a high-trophy value item, the perception by players is one of true value and worth, as the casino invested not only money but strategically created and implemented an engaging experience to connect with their players. During events, players are able to engage with other players, casino personnel and enjoy time with the loved ones they chose to accompany them to the event, creating an overall experience the modern day player craves."
Now read this!!!
http://the2x2project.org/gambling-public-health/
Sunday, August 31, 2014
No East Greenbush Casino II
There's more from No East Greenbush Casino.....Very important information.
B. APPLICABILITY OF PDD REGULATIONS
Within pages 12 - 16 of Clough Harbor Associates' PDD application to the Town of East Greenbush will be fought the next and final battle of the Great Casino War. As in all wars, this one has many elements. It started with secret negotiations between East Greenbush investors/operatives and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway representatives. Strategic objectives in place, tactical plans were drawn up within Supervisor Langley's office during the late days of April 2014 and throughout the months of May and June. It was here that battlefield general James "Feathers" launched a series of coordinated attacks with the help of the entire Town Board.
These attacks included a strong propaganda campaign of mailers, lawn signs, social media, purchased radio time with AM 1300's Paul Vandenburgh and Town spokespersons Ed Gilbert and Sue Mangold, robo-phone calls, carefully timed press releases, phony fronts such as pretend job and vendor fairs, a less than slick public presentation with Churchill Downs reps at Columbia High School, quietly dispositioned one-on-one visits with key supporting arms leaders such as County Executive Kathleen Jimino, EG Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angela Nagle and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Shay Harrison, very public visits with Albany Mayor Sheehan (legalized "bribery") costing Feathers $10 million for nothing more than a non-exclusive signature of support, and critical local business support from Linda Hillman, President and CEO of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce.
Hillman is a quietly powerful and efficient element of the type needed on any successful general's staff. In 2011 Ms. Hillman was Gov. Cuomo's appointment to the Capital Region Economic Development Council, "...helping the relationships between State government and business to stimulate economic development and foster job growth."
Alongside Ms. Hillman stood the Chamber's Board Chairman Dan Slote, broker at NAI Platform, the local real estate giant able to flip the Thompson Hill casino site lands almost overnight for more than twice what NAI paid, providing a stable NAI platform on which the casino could be built. From Kenneth Crowe's 4/24/14 Times Union story:
"Two parcels at the north end of Thompson Hill Road at the intersection of State Route 4 were sold by Richard B. Lynd to Village at Thompson Hill, LLC. This company, which is affiliated with Platform Realty Group, then sold the acreage to Greenbush GB Associates, Inc. James Featherstonhaugh of Saratoga Casino is listed as the manager of Greenbush GB. Lynd sold the residence on a 2.75-acre lot at 102 Thompson Hill Road for $390,000, according to the deed. Village at Thompson Hill then sold it to Greenbush GB for $900,000.
Lynd, through his Red House Farm Inc., also sold the adjacent 61.22 acres for $450,000. Village at Thompson Hill sold this parcel to Greenbush GB for $1.1 million. Greenbush GB borrowed $3 million from Village at Thompson Hill for the two parcels, according to a mortgage filed at the county clerk's office. The filing of the deeds came as Saratoga Casino representatives met with Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino and her staff, and gave plans for the estimated $300 million project to the town of East Greenbush."
Using the military's KISS rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid) it looks like this: Lynd sold to Platform (brokered by Dan Slote) who then lent $3 million to Greenbush GB LLC (Feathers) so that Saratoga Gaming could buy the casino land at more than twice what Platform had just paid for it. Why would anyone do that? Because Feather's power and connections make a 1-in-4 chance for a local casino license look more like 60 - 40 in his mind ( from May 2014 Town Hall meeting notes between Feathers and the East Greenbush Town Board).
Other Chamber Board members offering support- Carrie Hillenbrandt, of BBL Hospitality. From the PDD application we learn the following: "Moreover, a hotel partnership has been established with BBL Hospitality, with overflow guests directed to BBL’s hotels in East Greenbush; the Holiday Inn Express and Residence Inn."
Also on Board with the Chamber, so to speak: Robert Horan, Schodack Superintendent of Schools, which submitted an unambiguous letter of support for the casino in Capital View's submission package.
So you see, the whole campaign has been carefully orchestrated to swoon public officials and sway public opinion. Feathers and friends won the battle for public officials almost immediately. The only ammunition he needed were promises of tax revenues and jobs. But as they say, the first casualty in any war is the truth, and jobs have already been sunk in the sea of politics and revenues are likely to step on the land mines of market saturation.
The trench war for public opinion hasn't even been close. Anti-casino forces rule the battlefield. Every public engagement since May has seen us route pro-casino forces handily.
That leaves only one battle yet to fight: zoning, and the interpretation of the Gaming Law's Section 1366 language: Does the PDD need special zoning approval for casino amenities like bars, restaurants, and a hotel, or are these things inherently and inseparably part of the Casino itself, which carries with it the impenetrable body armor of the Gaming Act: Casinos are legal, we need them, and the law allows the state to put them wherever the state deems best in order to accomplish the primary mission of raising money, heavy societal casualties be damned.
Who will decide that final battle? We may have found out at the last Town Board meeting, Resolution 109-2014, in the 6th Whereas:
Whereas, the aforementioned Zoning Law also provides pursuant to Section 4.2.3 that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of East Greenbush has the authority to interpret any provision of the Zoning Law about which there is uncertainty, lack of understanding or misunderstanding, ambiguity or disagreement, which would include whether the proposed site for a Planned Development District meets the requirements of Zoning Law Section 2.9.4. (D), and...
There it is. One of the more contentious, politicized and convoluted pieces of legislation in the history of New York State, and certainly the most contentious issue in the history of East Greenbush, will ultimately be decided by an all-powerful Zoning Board of Appeals, whose forte is traditionally more along the lines of small business signage, above-ground pool fencing, and backyard storage sheds.
Still think you don't have to enlist in this fight?
Within pages 12 - 16 of Clough Harbor Associates' PDD application to the Town of East Greenbush will be fought the next and final battle of the Great Casino War. As in all wars, this one has many elements. It started with secret negotiations between East Greenbush investors/operatives and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway representatives. Strategic objectives in place, tactical plans were drawn up within Supervisor Langley's office during the late days of April 2014 and throughout the months of May and June. It was here that battlefield general James "Feathers" launched a series of coordinated attacks with the help of the entire Town Board.
These attacks included a strong propaganda campaign of mailers, lawn signs, social media, purchased radio time with AM 1300's Paul Vandenburgh and Town spokespersons Ed Gilbert and Sue Mangold, robo-phone calls, carefully timed press releases, phony fronts such as pretend job and vendor fairs, a less than slick public presentation with Churchill Downs reps at Columbia High School, quietly dispositioned one-on-one visits with key supporting arms leaders such as County Executive Kathleen Jimino, EG Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angela Nagle and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Shay Harrison, very public visits with Albany Mayor Sheehan (legalized "bribery") costing Feathers $10 million for nothing more than a non-exclusive signature of support, and critical local business support from Linda Hillman, President and CEO of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce.
Hillman is a quietly powerful and efficient element of the type needed on any successful general's staff. In 2011 Ms. Hillman was Gov. Cuomo's appointment to the Capital Region Economic Development Council, "...helping the relationships between State government and business to stimulate economic development and foster job growth."
Alongside Ms. Hillman stood the Chamber's Board Chairman Dan Slote, broker at NAI Platform, the local real estate giant able to flip the Thompson Hill casino site lands almost overnight for more than twice what NAI paid, providing a stable NAI platform on which the casino could be built. From Kenneth Crowe's 4/24/14 Times Union story:
"Two parcels at the north end of Thompson Hill Road at the intersection of State Route 4 were sold by Richard B. Lynd to Village at Thompson Hill, LLC. This company, which is affiliated with Platform Realty Group, then sold the acreage to Greenbush GB Associates, Inc. James Featherstonhaugh of Saratoga Casino is listed as the manager of Greenbush GB. Lynd sold the residence on a 2.75-acre lot at 102 Thompson Hill Road for $390,000, according to the deed. Village at Thompson Hill then sold it to Greenbush GB for $900,000.
Lynd, through his Red House Farm Inc., also sold the adjacent 61.22 acres for $450,000. Village at Thompson Hill sold this parcel to Greenbush GB for $1.1 million. Greenbush GB borrowed $3 million from Village at Thompson Hill for the two parcels, according to a mortgage filed at the county clerk's office. The filing of the deeds came as Saratoga Casino representatives met with Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino and her staff, and gave plans for the estimated $300 million project to the town of East Greenbush."
Using the military's KISS rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid) it looks like this: Lynd sold to Platform (brokered by Dan Slote) who then lent $3 million to Greenbush GB LLC (Feathers) so that Saratoga Gaming could buy the casino land at more than twice what Platform had just paid for it. Why would anyone do that? Because Feather's power and connections make a 1-in-4 chance for a local casino license look more like 60 - 40 in his mind ( from May 2014 Town Hall meeting notes between Feathers and the East Greenbush Town Board).
Other Chamber Board members offering support- Carrie Hillenbrandt, of BBL Hospitality. From the PDD application we learn the following: "Moreover, a hotel partnership has been established with BBL Hospitality, with overflow guests directed to BBL’s hotels in East Greenbush; the Holiday Inn Express and Residence Inn."
Also on Board with the Chamber, so to speak: Robert Horan, Schodack Superintendent of Schools, which submitted an unambiguous letter of support for the casino in Capital View's submission package.
So you see, the whole campaign has been carefully orchestrated to swoon public officials and sway public opinion. Feathers and friends won the battle for public officials almost immediately. The only ammunition he needed were promises of tax revenues and jobs. But as they say, the first casualty in any war is the truth, and jobs have already been sunk in the sea of politics and revenues are likely to step on the land mines of market saturation.
The trench war for public opinion hasn't even been close. Anti-casino forces rule the battlefield. Every public engagement since May has seen us route pro-casino forces handily.
That leaves only one battle yet to fight: zoning, and the interpretation of the Gaming Law's Section 1366 language: Does the PDD need special zoning approval for casino amenities like bars, restaurants, and a hotel, or are these things inherently and inseparably part of the Casino itself, which carries with it the impenetrable body armor of the Gaming Act: Casinos are legal, we need them, and the law allows the state to put them wherever the state deems best in order to accomplish the primary mission of raising money, heavy societal casualties be damned.
Who will decide that final battle? We may have found out at the last Town Board meeting, Resolution 109-2014, in the 6th Whereas:
Whereas, the aforementioned Zoning Law also provides pursuant to Section 4.2.3 that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of East Greenbush has the authority to interpret any provision of the Zoning Law about which there is uncertainty, lack of understanding or misunderstanding, ambiguity or disagreement, which would include whether the proposed site for a Planned Development District meets the requirements of Zoning Law Section 2.9.4. (D), and...
There it is. One of the more contentious, politicized and convoluted pieces of legislation in the history of New York State, and certainly the most contentious issue in the history of East Greenbush, will ultimately be decided by an all-powerful Zoning Board of Appeals, whose forte is traditionally more along the lines of small business signage, above-ground pool fencing, and backyard storage sheds.
Still think you don't have to enlist in this fight?
Friday, August 29, 2014
No East Greenbush Casino
This piece by "No East Greenbush Casino" appears on Face Book and deserves and independent Post.
Nice turnout tonight for the Planning Board presentation. The room was easily 60% or more filled for an event which was, on its face, worthless. Clough Harbor Associates gave a brief presentation again, a "slightly refined version" compared to the one given in June. Downsized, in other words. This one has gardens and ponds on the way in. We heard again that this was just "the beginning of a long process," with ample opportunities to be heard via public hearings in the weeks and months ahead. We've already seen what that has accomplished- nothing. But you'll leave feeling better. One of the board members, Mike Bottillo, recused himself when the casino came up for discussion. After seeing what happened to the Town Board's Sue Mangold this was probably a prudent measure.
Channel's 6 and 13 were both there, as was the crew from J. Strategies, Inc. Some of us actually had a nice conversation with them after the meeting, a good opportunity to share thoughts and concerns. Again, probably not significant in the long run, but still important for them to hear how we feel. Like it or not we are locked in an embrace till death or the Gaming Commission do us part.
Which brings up the elephant in the room, James Featherstonhaugh. He was not there tonight but I must confess, shame on me for not introducing myself at the last meeting. He should probably hear from all of us, in fact. Maybe think about that at the next meeting. Julie Miner always makes a point of saying hello at these things, but she knows some of us by now. Feathers does not, and we should take advantage of his visits to at least let him know how we feel about his plans. As a lobbyist himself he will no doubt understand and appreciate that one-on-one time.
The Town's engineering consultant, Jim Connors, representing Chazen Engineering ( and hopefully all of us too) gave a nice summary of the events upcoming in the process. He said he hoped to have a link on the Town's web site up and running by the end of the week, a link that will take us to a special site where we can see everything the Planning Board sees and read everything they hear from the public at future hearings. It's nice to see an attempt at transparency after so many months of shadows, rumors and untruths, when it's too late to change anything.
Chairman Matt Polsinello closed the meeting out with a reassuring reminder to all that "this board was meant to be a non-political board...representing citizens." Does that mean they no longer are? Honestly, were they ever? I would love to be able to say "yes" to that, but the 1/15/14 rubber stamp sign-off of the Thompson Way development without Final Plat approval and after three years of nothing- no resolutions, no meetings, no votes- well, that makes the non-political thing a bit hard to swallow, because the Thompson Way development is what forced Sue Mangold into recusal, and by association Mr. Bottillo, I think. It is also the vehicle by which a sewer line came up the hill, without which there could be no casino, a sewer line in litigation for violating another man's property along a user road, a sewer line ostensibly designed to handle the 23 housing units of Thompson Way but which is actually capable of handling 10,000 gamblers a day. It's in the PDD application. Happy coincidence?
Thompson Way is also at the heart of a special Town Board meeting last year at this time, a meeting to amend resolution 114-2013 (try to find it in its original form- the July minutes close with no. 113-2013 and August picks up with no. 115-2013) so that Thompson Hill Rd could be paved using mitigation money from FedEx. Yes, the road had been in terrible shape for years, so why the special meeting? The stated reason: the Mannix Rd. round-a-bout would be closed for a few days and traffic would be diverted along Thompson Hill Rd! Now, residents and regular pass through drivers had been navigating the endless pot holes for years, but what a wonderful opportunity to use Town money to repair and pave a road that was actually the Thompson Way developer's responsibility in many ways. Another happy coincidence. Unravel Thompson Way, including The Village at Thompson Way LLC (formed in 2008), and you'll understand how your casino ended up in the unlikeliest of places: on Thompson Hill Road.
Nice turnout tonight for the Planning Board presentation. The room was easily 60% or more filled for an event which was, on its face, worthless. Clough Harbor Associates gave a brief presentation again, a "slightly refined version" compared to the one given in June. Downsized, in other words. This one has gardens and ponds on the way in. We heard again that this was just "the beginning of a long process," with ample opportunities to be heard via public hearings in the weeks and months ahead. We've already seen what that has accomplished- nothing. But you'll leave feeling better. One of the board members, Mike Bottillo, recused himself when the casino came up for discussion. After seeing what happened to the Town Board's Sue Mangold this was probably a prudent measure.
Channel's 6 and 13 were both there, as was the crew from J. Strategies, Inc. Some of us actually had a nice conversation with them after the meeting, a good opportunity to share thoughts and concerns. Again, probably not significant in the long run, but still important for them to hear how we feel. Like it or not we are locked in an embrace till death or the Gaming Commission do us part.
Which brings up the elephant in the room, James Featherstonhaugh. He was not there tonight but I must confess, shame on me for not introducing myself at the last meeting. He should probably hear from all of us, in fact. Maybe think about that at the next meeting. Julie Miner always makes a point of saying hello at these things, but she knows some of us by now. Feathers does not, and we should take advantage of his visits to at least let him know how we feel about his plans. As a lobbyist himself he will no doubt understand and appreciate that one-on-one time.
The Town's engineering consultant, Jim Connors, representing Chazen Engineering ( and hopefully all of us too) gave a nice summary of the events upcoming in the process. He said he hoped to have a link on the Town's web site up and running by the end of the week, a link that will take us to a special site where we can see everything the Planning Board sees and read everything they hear from the public at future hearings. It's nice to see an attempt at transparency after so many months of shadows, rumors and untruths, when it's too late to change anything.
Chairman Matt Polsinello closed the meeting out with a reassuring reminder to all that "this board was meant to be a non-political board...representing citizens." Does that mean they no longer are? Honestly, were they ever? I would love to be able to say "yes" to that, but the 1/15/14 rubber stamp sign-off of the Thompson Way development without Final Plat approval and after three years of nothing- no resolutions, no meetings, no votes- well, that makes the non-political thing a bit hard to swallow, because the Thompson Way development is what forced Sue Mangold into recusal, and by association Mr. Bottillo, I think. It is also the vehicle by which a sewer line came up the hill, without which there could be no casino, a sewer line in litigation for violating another man's property along a user road, a sewer line ostensibly designed to handle the 23 housing units of Thompson Way but which is actually capable of handling 10,000 gamblers a day. It's in the PDD application. Happy coincidence?
Thompson Way is also at the heart of a special Town Board meeting last year at this time, a meeting to amend resolution 114-2013 (try to find it in its original form- the July minutes close with no. 113-2013 and August picks up with no. 115-2013) so that Thompson Hill Rd could be paved using mitigation money from FedEx. Yes, the road had been in terrible shape for years, so why the special meeting? The stated reason: the Mannix Rd. round-a-bout would be closed for a few days and traffic would be diverted along Thompson Hill Rd! Now, residents and regular pass through drivers had been navigating the endless pot holes for years, but what a wonderful opportunity to use Town money to repair and pave a road that was actually the Thompson Way developer's responsibility in many ways. Another happy coincidence. Unravel Thompson Way, including The Village at Thompson Way LLC (formed in 2008), and you'll understand how your casino ended up in the unlikeliest of places: on Thompson Hill Road.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Devilicious
Somebody sent me what appears to be a subscription to "Casino Journal." It looks like a "trade magazine" for the casino industry. Its sub-head is "All Gaming - All the World." It was sent to:
Don Johnson
Casino Boss
Capital View Casino East G
(and then my address - misspelled)
Right inside the front cover - on page 2 is the Ad I scanned and printed above. Read it and weep!!! This is an example of what has been "invited" to our community by our Town Board. Would YOU be proud to show that to your spouses, significant others, kids? The people who engineered this train wreck fiasco should be deeply ashamed of themselves. (And I just got an e-mail from the Republican Chairman comparing the casino initiative to FedEx. Good grief!!) Anything for the fantasy dollar, right?
Our Board of Education, with its "head in the sand" neutrality should be ashamed of itself too. Fine upstanding moral citizens having "no opinion" as to whether this trash belongs in our community? Do your homework.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Being Played
Today's Advertiser letter by Gloria Rodgers is too good not to be a Post. So here it is....
Those proposing the Capital View Casino & Resort are
trying to bully local residents into believing that a casino will be the answer
to our prayers. With political connections, a seemingly bottomless advertising/PR
budget, distorted numbers and a condescending “We know what’s best for you” attitude,
they are attempting to manipulate residents as they manipulated the Town Board.
Forget that the proposal submitted to the Gaming Commission
is radically different from the one presented to and voted on by the Town Board.
Let’s face what we already know in our heads and hearts: these people couldn’t care less about East
Greenbush, Rensselaer Co., or any of us.
Said Mr. Featherstonhaugh in June 2013, ‘The proposed Las
Vegas-type casinos will "… cannibalize as much as 85% of the state's
current gaming market, shifting revenue and jobs from one facility to another but resulting in no real increase in new
jobs and an annual loss of $1 billion of tax revenue for education." ’
(http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/06/ny_casino_deal_is_bad_for_taxp.html) Mr.
Featherstonhaugh was against it before he was for it.
They NEED to build a casino.
The application states, ‘Taking away from the [Saratoga] racino’s
customer base is expected to lead to a 48.2% decline — $90 million — in the
facility’s annual revenue and result in an undisclosed number of job losses.
“Revenue cannibalization on this scale would clearly result in reduced
employment at the Saratoga Springs casino and the loss of accompanying benefits
to Albany.” ‘ -- implying that this is
why they should be granted a license.
They NEED to build a casino to compensate for the losses they
will suffer at the racino. Where will
those who lose their Saratoga jobs likely find new jobs? At the new casino! So much for all those jobs for local residents.
“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Let Town Board members know that it’s ok to
change their minds, and write to the Gaming Commission and object to this
project.
Let’s not get played by people who are only looking out for
their own best interests.
Gloria Rodgers
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Have you read the Casino Application?
Here's the link to the Application on the Gaming Commission website. I'd venture to say that the Town Board members haven't read it. Yet they voted to approve it sight unseen. Lots of interesting reading. And it raises some interesting questions too - which need to be addressed.
http://www.gaming.ny.gov/gaming/capitalview.php
And Save East Greenbush has a new sign up which the goons can't steal!!
http://www.gaming.ny.gov/gaming/capitalview.php
And Save East Greenbush has a new sign up which the goons can't steal!!
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