The developer of a proposed Casino in the Town of Tyre has significantly revised their plans for the facility and has added a new partner in the project. The revised plans will add some $75 million to the investment they propose to make and attempt to appease several complaints which have been voiced by local residents.
The revisions bring the projects total expense to $425 million and significantly increases the number of temporary construction jobs the project will require. The estimate of these jobs rises from 1200 to 2100, according to the company. The figure includes 1,400 direct jobs and up to 700 indirect jobs created as a result of the construction. The vast majority of those direct construction jobs (will be) filled by local tradespeople,” according to project spokesperson Jonathan Swain. The estimate of permanant jobs the casino will create remains at 1,800 once it is completed and opened.
The Tyre Board recently approved the project in a unanimous vote. The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce also reversed an earlier promise to remain neutral about the casino proposal and is now actively endorsing it. A group of residents, primarily from the Town of Tyre have voiced opposition to the plan.
Among the plan changes are reducing the height of the buildings and relocating the project further from agricultural and residential areas. Lighting has also been changed so less light from the resort is emitted into the night sky.
“The Finger Lakes Building Trades Council and its 19 affiliated labor unions have entered into a project labor agreement (PLA) to ensure efficient, safe, quality and timely completion of the construction of Lago Resort & Casino,” Wilmorite Chairman Thomas C. Wilmot, Sr. said.
The company has promised to partner with local businesses to promote the area as a destination so visitors to the Casino will extend their visit in the area to enjoy the wineries and lakes the region offers.
Wilmorite announced they are partnering with Peninsula Pacific and its CEO, Brent
Stevens. Wilmot said, “Peninsula Pacific’s experience, expertise and strategic vision are unparalleled. The firm has consistently followed a successful path of investing in gaming and other industries, forming strategic alliances that create long term shareholder value.”
Brent Stevens, CEO, Peninsula Partners, said. “We only get involved in partnerships where we think we can make a real difference. Our objective is to provide that difference by helping create projects that recognize and meet the needs of a community and region. Lago Resort & Casino is an ideal project for Peninsula Pacific. We listened to the community, maximized efforts to create meaningful relationships that benefit local
businesses, and adapted a regional approach. We’ve created the best casino team in New York.”
The proposal is to be submitted tomorrow to the State Gaming authority.
Wilmorite also announced JNB Gaming LLC will be the casino operator of Lago Resort & Casino. ‘I feel like we hit the jackpot,” Wilmot said. “JNB Gaming’s principals – Jonathan Swain, Natalie Schramm and Brent Stevens – have more than five decades of combined casino operations experience. Collectively, they have developed and managed five enormously successful casinos in Iowa, Louisiana and Kansas.”
JNB Gaming’s Jonathan Swain said, “We merge rural, agricultural and suburban into what will feel like a little city. We’ve combined the small town feeling with big time attraction. And we highlight the majestic beauty that surrounds Lago with an outstanding design and abundant amenities – many local – inside Lago.”