Nevele expenses hit $750K

Published: 2:00 AM - 10/06/12

WAWARSING The new owners of the Nevele have already spent about $750,000 trying to bring gambling to the 564-acre resort.

Michael Treanor has sunk $500,000 into redevelopment everything from architects to consultants to lobbyists and paid as much as $250,000 in town, county and school taxes since spring.

That doesn't include the $1.63 million Treanor spent in April purchasing the faded jewel at the foot of the Shawangunks. The Nevele has been closed since 2009.

But that's a pittance compared with the overall price of rebuilding a modern resort and casino: $400 million. The project will be finished only if the state awards a casino permit to the Nevele. There's just a 50 percent chance of that happening, Treanor has said.

The Nevele is competing alongside two Sullivan County plans for up to seven gambling permits statewide. State legislators must first pass a resolution, then voters have their say in a referendum.

A revitalized Nevele with 450 hotel rooms, a 150,000-square-foot casino and 1,500 full- and part-time employees would change the face of Wawarsing, a project impact study found. "(The study) has identified several potential large impacts with a high probability of potential impacts occurring," the town's evaluation concluded.

The town's population, annual budget and energy usage would likely grow by more than 5 percent as a result of the project, according to the study.

A resort and casino could result in major traffic problems along Route 209. And additions such as a seven-deck parking garage, ballroom and indoor water park could ruin majestic views from the Shawangunk Ridge. Treanor has promised a "green" roof for the garage to help it fit into the landscape.

Residents can comment in a public session at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Wawarsing Town Hall. Written comments will also be accepted until Oct. 25.

Continue reading here:
Nevele expenses hit $750K