A Buffalo lawmaker says the Seneca Gaming Corporation has not upheld its end of the bargain for its downtown casino. Delaware District Council member Michael LoCurto is urging lawmakers end an agreement between the Senecas and city for the downtown casino. "A billboard on the 190 and a banner on the casino," said LoCurto. "I urge my colleagues to at a certain point you've got to pull the plug on this agreement."
In Common Council chambers Tuesday afternoon, LoCurto pointed out that the Senecas have done a minimum amount of Web and billboard advertising and calls it insulting under its agreement to operate it's casino on the Fulton Street site in downtown Buffalo.
The Senecas had agreed to spend $1.7 million a year to market the casino outside the region.
The city agreement allows the Senecas to use a section of downtown land for its casino and the city provides water and sewer services. The Senecas also agreed to create 1,000 jobs. LoCurto said the Senecas did exceed its minority hiring goals, but only provided 66 new jobs.
"After five years, they finally filed something with the Common Council," said LoCurto. "I consider it insulting tot this body what they filed compared to what they agreed to.
The Senecas are planning to build a $130 million casino at the Fulton Street site.
Next week, Common Council members meet in executive session to discuss the agreement.