Parking lot could signal new stores near casino
May 11, 2002

By R. PATRICK CORBETT
Observer-Dispatch

VERONA — A new parking lot for Turning Stone Casino employees could have implications for the Verona Greens commercial complex proposed three years ago across Route 365 from the casino.

The Oneida Indian Nation plans to build the 900-car lot this summer on the north side of Route 365, across from the intersection of Patrick Road, Oneida Nation Media Relations Director Mark Emery said in a news release Friday.

The Nation would build two private roads off nearby Hill Road and Willow Place to serve the lot and would straighten out the end of Willow Place to improve visibility for drivers entering the four-lane Route 365, Emery said.

Verona Town Councilman Kenneth Brewer said Friday that representatives of both the Oneida Nation and Verona Greens will be at the town Planning Board meeting on May 20 to discuss their ventures in more detail.

Verona Greens backers first floated the idea of building a number of hotels and retail stores across from the Thruway interchange on Route 365 in 1999. They said they hoped to tap into the constant flow of customers to the casino.

Town Supervisor David Reed said recently that one of the stumbling blocks for the project has been securing access across Thruway Authority property from Route 365 to the development site.

The authority has agreed to let the developers build a road across its property, Reed said, but only on the condition that it could take the property back if it needs it for Thruway purposes in the future.

Brewer did not know Friday if the parking lot development might solve the access problem for the developers. He said he hopes to get answers at the May 20 meeting.

Emery could not be reached for comment Friday. He has said that the Nation has no objection to the proposed private development.

The new lot is needed for the growing number of workers at the resort and its adjacent Shenendoah Golf Club championship golf course, Emery said in the release.

The expected addition of 200 employees to staff a new golf clubhouse and the expanded casino resort will push total employment in the Nation’s business enterprises to nearly 3,300, he said.

Applications for the new jobs are available at the Nation’s employment office in Ames Plaza on Route 5 in Oneida or by calling 829-8300.