The Town of Cobleskill expected to meet late yesterday to re-do its resolution of support for a casino at Howe Caverns.
The New York Gaming Commission rejected all but three resolutions of support for 23 possible casinos as too vague; Cobleskill's was one of those tossed out, despite the fact that its intent was clear.
In its five paragraph resolution, Cobleskill acknowledges Howe Caverns as "an important historic landmark and employer...[and] believes the development of a casino in the Howe Caverns site will further tourism to the area and result in an increase in jobs..." before resolving, in the final paragraph, "...believes there is sufficient support in favor of a casino being built within the Town of Cobleskill..."
A public hearing on the possible casino May 12 confirmed that support, but the State Gaming Commission has asked Cobleskill, along with other host communities, to submit a resolution "indicating support of the specific gaming facility within the host municipality."
Chris Tague, spokesman for Howe Caves Inc., isn't splitting hairs: If the State Gaming Commission wants something more specific, so be it.
"We're following the rules," he said. "At the end of the day, they'll be the ones making the decision. We'll do whatever they want."
The only three municipalities submitting resolutions correctly were the Village of Johnson City, the Village of Liberty, and the Town of Wawarsing.
Mr. Tague is cheered by the fact that potential sites expected to be in direct competition with Howe Caverns' plans are also on the do-over list, and he maintains theirs will be the project left standing when the dust settles.
"I still think we have the best site," he said. "Seventy percent of the process is strong public support-and we have it. The others don't."
Other would-be casinos have come forward with partnerships with big name developers including Churchill Downs and the Cherokee Nation.
Howe Caverns hasn't named its partner-in fact as of Thursday, they were still trying to decide between four possible owner-operators and some private developers-but Mr. Tague theirs will be just as big.
"You might be surprised," he said. "Anyone going into the gaming business has to be top-notch to begin with. That's why the competition is so strong. But ours might be just as flashy as what's already out there."
Howe Caverns plans to name its partner within the week.