At a special meeting at Lynch Middle School on Tuesday, the Amsterdam Common Council voted 4-1 to approve a resolution authorizing the location of a proposed casino and resort facility near Thruway exit 27. Preceding the vote, Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort spoke in favor of the project, followed by presentations by representatives of three of the development firms involved with the project.
The information presented was similar to what was presented Monday at the Town of Florida board meeting, where a similar resolution authorizing the location of the facility was also passed.
2nd Ward Alderwoman Valerie Beekman was the only council member to vote against the resolution. After the meeting she said she was still not sure that the project would benefit the “whole community”. She cited Atlantic City as an example of a gaming community where poverty was still a problem.
“I’m not there yet,” said Beekman, “I will get there. It will take some time. I’ll probably be the last one.”
Mark Kilmer, president of the Fulton/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce spoke in favor of the project during the public comments portion of the meeting.
Mike Wieszchowski, who identified himself as the vice president of an area day spa, said he was concerned about the development taking away clients and employees.
Signs with the word “yes” printed on them were offered to people upon entering the building, with many choosing to hold them up during the meeting. The audience applauded after the vote was cast.
