Word among gaming representatives is that Gov. David Paterson is leaning sharply toward granting the Aqueduct VLT rights to a group led by Delaware North of Buffalo, which bid more than $370 million. An upcoming speech by the governor in Buffalo could reveal his plans for the Queens track. [Albany Times Union]
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Monday, September 15, 2008
Paterson Leaning North?
Posted by Alan Mann at 1:00 PM
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9 Comments:
A logical choice given Delaware North's experience in running Saratoga Harness and Finger Lakes.
Who are the "gaming representatives" that say Paterson is leaning towards Delaware North?
The same Times Union reporter James Odato, wrote on June 16that, "Some racing industry prognosticators give the Australian-based bidding group (Capital Play) front-runner status in the sweepstakes to run the VLT operation proposed for the Queen's track." I wonder if Odato checked with his "racing prognosticators" about the recent news coming from his "gaming representative" sources?
If Delaware North is selected, I wonder where they are going to get the $370 million with the credit markets in such upheaval? Financing for this type of project, with the collatteral being the 25 year income stream and not the real estate, is nearly non-existent. Perhaps Del North is sitting on a bunch of cash, or like most real estate deals today, perhaps they will renegotiate the terms of the agreement at the settlement table?
Delaware North owns the Boston Garden, Boston Bruins and the Concessions at the Garden.
Very profitable,although not well liked in Boston as they are very(or perceived)cheap.
I would root for someone other than Delaware North.
Shame if true, not impressed with their operations at Finger Lakes, and liked some of the development plans for the Big A better, but as we know money talks, this case up front money.
Anyone checks their lobbying and contributions lately?
Speaking of NY lobbying, didn't one of Spitzer's former staff members end up with Del North's primary lobbyist on the VLT deal? This whole thing would stink if Paterson acts as the straw man for and old Spitzer agenda.
Have to wonder what Spitzer's role in this, especially what we know now about him as well as what we know now about his troopergate investigation scandal.
I would follow the money trail on this one.
>>Speaking of NY lobbying, didn't one of Spitzer's former staff members end up with Del North's primary lobbyist on the VLT deal?
Yes, Darren Dopp, one of the guys who the Commission on Public Integrity is trying to pin on Troopergate (NY version, not Alaska version).
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