While New York governor David Paterson and his aides cluster in secluded secrecy deciding who gets the Aqueduct plum, Vernon Downs outlines its bold plans for expansion of the Mohawk Valley track today in a bid to get a $2.3 million tax break from the Oneida county Industrial Development Agency.
The plans include a three-phase expansion plan with the initial development an events centre, a new simulcast centre, and a rooftop deck overlooking the track, those improvements costing $7 million.
The second phase, costing $3 million, would be followed by a third that includes indoor parking for 250 cars in a facility that could be converted into additional gambling space if needed.
Vernon president and general manager Pete Savage told the development agency the work would take three years, involve 100 construction jobs, and result in 50 new permanent jobs at the track.
Today’s public hearing of the IDA will include discussion of property tax abatement and mortgage and sales tax exemption.
(Harness Tracks of America)