The $600 million destination resort project planned by EPR Properties and Empire Resorts Wednesday night won the unanimous approval of the Thompson Town Planning Board.

Town Supervisor Anthony Cellini said afterwards that the approval is “monumental,” given the statewide casino gaming referendum to come before the general public in November.

“They will have to come in with building plans and things of that nature, but they can start their land clearing,” Cellini said. “It has been a two year process. Between their professional team and the Town of Thompson’s professional team and planning board, they have worked very well together to bring this to fruition.”

This project will include hotels, conferencing facilities, a water park, harness racing and gaming. Empire Resorts currently operates Monticello Casino and Raceway nearby and the plans are to build a new racetrack at the former Concord Hotel site. They are also hoping to win approval for a full-scale gaming facility there.

Adjacent to this project site in Kiamesha Lake is land owned by developer Louis Cappelli, who is also vying for a gaming facility. Cellini said they are also shovel ready like the EPR-Empire Resorts site.

He also said he would not count out the Stockbridge Munsee Indian Tribe proposal, also in the Town of Thompson.

(Source: MidHudsonNews)