Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor, A Premier Entertainment Destination, Unveiled for Schenectady's Historic Riverfront

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Surrounded by supporters from city and county government, the community and local businesses, Neil Bluhm, Chairman of Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, joined Galesi Group COO David Buicko today to unveil plans for Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor. The casino and entertainment project will be located on Schenectady's riverfront, next to land being transformed by the Galesi Group for the $150 million mixed-use Mohawk Harbor.

Bluhm, whose companies own and/or operate award-winning casinos in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago/Des Plaines, and Niagara Falls, Ontario made the announcement at the GE Theater at Proctors in downtown Schenectady.

"When we visited Schenectady and its historic waterfront, we knew we had found a perfect location for our next casino," said Rush Street Gaming Chairman Neil Bluhm. "A tremendous transformation is happening right now in Schenectady. Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor will greatly enhance the city's reputation as a destination for entertainment, and boost the current positive momentum by creating new jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue."

In addition to the gaming facilities, the property will include restaurants, a banquet facility, a hotel and attached parking garage. As outlined by New York State's regulations, Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor will provide millions of dollars to the city and county of Schenectady, as well as surrounding Capital Region counties.

"The Mohawk Harbor site, along the Erie Canal, once bolstered New York's status as The Empire State. We want to take this 60-acre waterfront and turn it into a vibrant, productive destination not only for today, but for future generations," said Galesi Group COO David Buicko. "Rivers Casino at Mohawk Harbor will bring millions of new visitors to Schenectady by river, road and rail, revitalizing one of our State's great heritage corridors – the Mohawk River and Erie Canal."

Galesi's Mohawk Harbor will consist of a mix of residential housing options along with hotel, retail and commercial space on the site of the former ALCO Locomotive site, a brownfield that will be transformed by the project.

"Rush Street Gaming is a world-class company and they impressed us immediately with their absolute dedication to getting things done right," said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. "Their other properties demonstrate they are committed to running first-class, upscale and right-sized casinos."

Schenectady County Legislature Chairman Anthony Jasenski said, "Schenectady County is very excited about the possibility of welcoming a nationally respected and proven casino operator. If approved, this project could create jobs, expand the tax base and result in a real riverfront redevelopment that would be a major asset to the entire Erie Canal Corridor and Capital Region. It may also offer tremendous new resources and opportunities for our residents, including students in Schenectady County Community College's Casino and Gaming Management program."

Jasenski said Rush Street Gaming will also work with Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) to provide opportunities for students in upstate New York's only casino and gaming management program, as well as SCCC's renowned culinary and hospitality programs.

The venue for today's announcement, Proctors, was fitting because Rush Street Gaming plans to work directly with it and the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fair Game to support the arts and cultural community.

"More than 650,000 people come to downtown Schenectady to shows, movies and special events at Proctors every year, and growing our downtown as a destination is the right strategy," said Proctors CEO Philip Morris. "In addition, Rush Street Gaming's commitment to the agenda of the Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fair Game means the arts community of the entire region will win."

About Rush Street Gaming – Recognizing the potential for regional gaming destinations, Neil Bluhm and Greg Carlin founded Rush Street Gaming and since then have developed more casinos in major U.S. markets than any other competitor. By placing an emphasis on superior design and outstanding customer service, Rush Street Gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing casino developers in the United States. Existing casinos generate over $1 billion in annual gaming revenues.

Media Contact:
Jack Horner
Rush Street Gaming
267-932-8760 Ext. 302

Tom Nardacci (518) 326-6400

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SOURCE Rush Street Gaming