Saratoga Council Nixes Casino

by Mike Kane
   Following a spirited, sometimes emotional public comment session Tuesday night, the City Council of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. voted unanimously to support a resolution against the expansion of casino gambling in the city. 
   More than 50 people people took advantage of the opportunity to address the five council members about the three-page measure introduced by newly elected Mayor Joanne Yepsen. The non-binding resolution opposes “the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act as it relates to a destination resort casino being placed in the city of Saratoga Springs.” 
   Legal and illegal gambling have been part of the culture of Saratoga Springs for well over 150 years. The city is the home to America’s oldest Thoroughbred track, historic Saratoga Race Course; a standardbred track that is approaching its 75th birthday and is the site of the popular 10-year-old VLT racino, whose owners intend to seek a casino license. Though the constitutional amendment allowing casino gaming passed state-wide in November, 58% of the people who cast ballots in Saratoga Springs and 54% of the voters in Saratoga County were against it. 
   Yepsen called the question of expanded gaming in Saratoga Springs according to the terms of the legislation, “the issue of the decade” and has produced intense public debate. 
   Yepsen’s resolution revoked a pro-gambling resolution adopted in Dec. 2012 and cites six points in the law that could adversely affect the thriving city. Among the concerns are the lack of local control and how the casino would impact racing and other established businesses downtown. 
   In essence, it is a pre-emptive strike, a statement delivered before the New York State Gaming Commission issues requests for applications from prospective developers. 
   “Even though this is not a local vote, like there is in Massachusetts,” Yepsen said, “there is the perception in the community that this city council can do something to change the law, to change the siting decision. We can’t. 
    “However, having said that, I will do everything in my power as the mayor of your city to protect the character of this community, keep our balanced package of assets, safeguard and enhance the horse racing industry with every negotiable mechanism I can. Our local economy depends on it.”