[NYguy]

^ They probably just didn't want personal information released. That's the problem with being a celebrity and trying to do public business.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/ny...2aqueduct.html

Slot Machines at Aqueduct? No, Not Yet

By RUSS BUETTNER and CHARLES V. BAGLI
March 11, 2010

The state’s tortured eight-year quest to install a limited casino at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens has failed for the third time, with the governor’s office announcing Thursday that its chosen bidder would not be awarded the contract.

State officials said the company, Aqueduct Entertainment Group, had supplied insufficient financial details regarding some of its investors. And at least two investors about whom the company did supply information raised red flags at the state’s Lottery Division, which must license all participants.

The setback means the state, already facing a shortfall of $9 billion for the fiscal year starting April 1, will not receive the $300 million upfront payment the company had committed to provide by March 31. It also delays the expected daily revenue to the state of $1 million a day. And for the neighboring community, it means putting off the new jobs that have long been promised.

“The community, I am sure, is as disgusted and as disappointed and as frustrated as I am,” said Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer, who represents the area. “I’m embarrassed to go back to them again and say to them, ‘This time it’s going to work.’ ”

Barry H. Berke, a lawyer for Aqueduct Entertainment Group, called the reversal “arbitrary and capricious” and said the group would “pursue all available remedies” if the state did not allow the company to address the issues raised.

...Selecting a successful bidder has required building consensus among Albany’s famed three men in a room, a group now made up of Governor Paterson; Mr. Silver and State Senator John L. Sampson, the chamber’s Democratic leader.

Some were advocating that the three men simply move to the next choice on their lists, rather than reopening the bidding or changing the terms.

“I don’t think we have to start the process over,” said State Senator Eric Adams, chairman of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. “I think there are eligible vendors that are still there. Let’s just move on to the next eligible vendor.”

______________________________

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/20...ks-interested/
Paterson Scraps Aqueduct Deal, Hard Rock’s Interested

By A.D. Pruitt
March 11, 2010

The office of embattled New York Governor David Paterson scrapped a deal with Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG) to develop a casino at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens, poised to be the Big Apple’s first gambling destination.

It’s unclear how the state will move forward with another bidding process, but some of the companies want back in the game. “The SL Green/Hard Rock team is still interested and ready to go forward. We have already fulfilled all of Lottery’s licensing requirements and we remain able to deliver on our promises – both on expedited timing and on our long-term vision for this exciting project,” said SL Green in a statement.

______________________________

http://in.reuters.com/article/consum...23658320100311

UPDATE 2-NY state must pick new Aqueduct slot vendor - Gov

Fri Mar 12, 2010
By Joan Gralla

NEW YORK, March 11 (Reuters) - New York should choose a new slot machine vendor for Aqueduct Racetrack in a quick and "apolitical" manner now the Lottery Division has rejected the winning bidder, Governor David Paterson said Thursday.

"The Executive Branch advocates that the selection of the Aqueduct VLT (video lottery terminal) franchisee be done pursuant to an expedited, transparent, apolitical and publicly accountable procurement process," the Democratic governor said in a statement.

The governor has said the state could not count on the $300 million Aqueduct Entertainment Group was scheduled to pay on March 31.

New York has been seeking for about a decade to boost gaming revenue by adding slot machines to the horsetrack located in the New York City Borough of Queens.

The list of previous companies that bid for the contract includes SL Green Realty Corp (SLG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) with Seminole Hard Rock Casinos, MGM (MGM.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Harrah's Entertainment HAMLEH.UL, Pennsylvania National, Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Delaware North, The Peebles Corporation, and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Victoria Racing Club, which were working with New York-based Capital Play.