Sullivan Co. looks to Oneidas to sign casino tax-impact agreement
Feb. 24, 2002

By PATRICK GANNON
Observer-Dispatch

Sullivan County officials want the Oneida Indian Nation of New York to sign an agreement similar to those already made with two other tribes seeking to open casinos in the Catskills.

The county wants to be prepared if the state and federal governments approve a casino for any of the handful of interested tribes.

“I wouldn’t rule out a trip (to the Turning Stone Casino Resort) at some point, depending on how they feel,” said Lee Bosco, a county spokesman, adding that no definite plans have been made to visit.

Oneida Nation spokesman Mark Emery said Friday the Nation would welcome Sullivan County officials at its Verona casino.

“They’re invited if they want to come up to see Turning Stone Casino Resort,” he said.

State legislation passed last year paved the way for two Indian-run casinos in Sullivan County and one in neighboring Ulster County. But any casinos must be approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the state.

The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans and the St. Regis Mohawks/Park Place Entertainment have worked out agreements with Sullivan County that would go into effect if they receive state and federal approvals.

Under the agreements, the tribes would pay $15 million a year to the county to address tax, infrastructure and other issues, Bosco said.

“They’ve been called the best agreements of their kind in the country,” he said.

Bosco said Sullivan County will not approve a casino to any tribe without such an agreement for impact fees. Any casino must also be approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the state.

Meanwhile, the Oneidas are moving forward with their casino bid. Hired consultants have visited Sullivan and Ulster counties to determine whether another casino fits favorably into the Nation’s financial plan. Also, Nation officials are reviewing a “stack” of marketing packages from developers, Emery said.

Nation officials also confirmed this week that they met recently with developer Louis Cappelli, who plans to open hotels and perhaps a casino at the Concord resort area in the Catskills.

In late December, a delegation of community leaders led by Thompson Town Supervisor Tony Cellini visited Turning Stone to encourage the Oneidas to put a Catskill casino plan on the table.