SYRACUSE -- The Onondaga County Legislature has passed a resolution saying it would welcome a new racino in the county. Paul Wilmot the President of Wilmorite spoke with lawmakers this afternoon and sparked an impassioned debate about the project.
Right now the developer is working on a $200 million proposal tied to the long awaited Convention Center Hotel. It calls for a racino, a combination of a horse race track and gambling slot machines. to be built near Hancock International Airport. With bipartisan support the resolution passed 11-8.
Central New York's proposed project would be one of three competing for a bunch of state funding. The other two sites are Alexandria Bay and Kiamesha in the Catskills.
The plan for a new racino has faced stiff opposition from some groups including Turning Stone and the Oneida Indian Nation.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has been looking to raise revenue in New York State and has been eying new gambling facilities as one way to do it. The Seneca Indian Nation says that video gaming machines at racetracks across the state violates their compact and exclusivity rights.
Do you agree with the Onondaga County Legislature's decision? Is another gambling option a good idea for Central New York? Leave your comments below.
