By Howard Koplowitz
After months of delays, Gov. David Paterson recommended Friday that the state Legislature choose Buffalo−based Delaware North for the contract to construct video lottery terminals at Aqueduct Race Track in South Ozone Park.
“Of the bids put forth, Delaware North presents the strongest financial proposal with an upfront payment of $370 million,” the governor said in a statement. “Delaware North will build and operate a successful facility for the state of New York which will provide additional vital resources to the local Queens community, the upstate economy and education needs throughout the state.”
But state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R−Glendale), who said Delaware North was his “third choice” out of three bidders vying for the contract, slammed the governor’s recommendation.
“Those who live and work near Aqueduct have been deeply concerned about the future of the racetrack and we have worked hard to ensure that they have a say in the decision−making process,” he said in a statement. “That being said, Delaware North has all along been nearly everyone’s third choice.”
At Community Board 10’s September meeting, Maltese said Delaware North was the only bidder not to send a representative to the National Night Out Against Crime event over the summer.
Paterson’s choice was also criticized by state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R−Rockville Centre), who claimed Delaware North’s proposal did not include an economic development plan for neighborhoods near Aqueduct.
“It appears that in an effort to close the budget deficit, Gov. Paterson has made a choice that may not be in the best long−term interests of the state or for the communities that surround Aqueduct,” he said in a statement. “It is our belief that unless we make Aqueduct a true destination venue, this project will not generate the largest possible benefit.”
Paterson said Skelos is vowing to block his recommendation and claimed the senator never said which of the three bidders, which included Capital Play and SL Green, he preferred.
“It is shocking that Sen. Skelos, who claims to understand the importance of this revenue stream and who has repeatedly and publicly called on the governor to award this contract, has now decided to stall a significant economic development project,” he said. “Equally troubling is that he has refused to state what proposal he supports and why.”
City Councilman Joseph Addabbo (D−Howard Beach) sided with Paterson.
“My primary concern is to protect the short and long term interests of the community,” he said in a statement. “However, if Senator Skelos really cares about the community, he won’t play politics with people but will return to the bargaining table.”
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e−mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 173.
