ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now open to proposals for a convention center and casino anywhere in or close to New York City, including Manhattan or Belmont race track on Long Island, a state official said Monday.
The renewed effort may take more than a year and require voters to approve a referendum next year to rewrite the state constitution to allow casinos off Indian land. That approval remains uncertain, and even Cuomo has said it will be a difficult sell for New Yorkers.
But planning continues that could bring a casino to Manhattan or a convention center and casino package with lavish hotels to the outer boroughs, Belmont, which is the third jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown; Yonkers race track north of Manhattan, Belmont or one of the tiny, publicly owned islands off Manhattan, according to the official familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity because Cuomo hadn't yet announced the plans.
Previous proposals for casinos in Manhattan, however, have been opposed by Cuomo and ruled out by Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
The effort comes after Cuomo's landmark plan for Aqueduct race track in Queens fell through. On Friday, Cuomo mentioned on WOR Radio in New York City that talks fizzled on an economic development centerpiece of his State of the State speech in January. Cuomo had also secured a nonbinding letter of intent from the Malaysian-based Genting group to fund the $4 billion convention center that could lead to a casino when after the referendum.
The official said Cuomo is now starting a process to consider proposals from some of the world's top gambling developers.
Cuomo plans an afternoon news conference.
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