Queens may soon be home to a huge complex with a casino, hotel, conference facility, and event center. Last week, Governor David Paterson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver selected Delaware North Companies' bid for the redevelopment of the Aqueduct Racetrack, a plan that includes building a gaming floor with 4,500 video slot machines, approximately 15,000 square feet of retail space, and a full-service hotel.
Like Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and the casinos in Atlantic City, the proposed site will also offer dedicated event and meeting areas. In the plans are 60,000 square feet of function space, a 5,000-square-foot spa, and a 3,000-seat multipurpose center for concerts, trade shows, and seminars. There will also be restaurant and dining areas throughout.
In an official written statement, William Bissett, president of Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, said that the company is "confident that we are the right choice to develop a world-class gaming and entertainment destination that will bring much needed economic development support to the community and state."
Currently, the proposal is awaiting approval from Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos; there is no scheduled opening date.
