MONTICELLO, NY — On July 15, local business owners joined forces with state officials to celebrate the ongoing progress and growing enthusiasm surrounding the future of the Montreign Casino at the Adelaar resort being created in Sullivan County. A long list of dignitaries was on hand at an outdoor venue overlooking the Monster Golf Course where the Concord resort once stood, and raised a glass toasting the hurdles being checked off the long list of what once seemed insurmountable, but now glimmering in the Catskills.

Sullivan County Partnership President Marc Baez and Vice President Michele Klugman Resnick welcomed Sen. John Bonacic, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Chamber of Commerce President Cathy Paty, Sullivan County Visitors Association President Roberta Byron Lockwood and a large coterie of local people in greeting J. Gary Pretlow, who serves as chairman of the New York State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee.

Introducing Pretlow to the crowd, Gunther said, “This would not have come to fruition without all of the people gathered here today. This project is happening, and it’s going to be tremendous.” As Pretlow stood at the podium, he visibly beamed, citing the old proverb that states, “The march of a thousand miles starts with one step.” Amid thunderous applause, he continued, saying, “Everything you’ve heard is true. Sullivan County had the best proposal for a casino and has the very best potential.”

Empire Resorts (ER) project executive Tim Lies was quick to point out that “without the years of tireless effort put forth by [former] Town of Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini, this project would never have gotten off the ground.” Also representing ER was Charlie Degliomini, who checked off some of the many hurdles that have been surmounted to date and those that have yet to be made, before vertical construction begins. “Rest assured,” he said, “everything is falling into place, and we expect to see the casino license shortly after September 30th.” Illuminating some of the upgrades already being discussed, he continued, “We’re already looking at spending many more millions than originally planned, which includes spending more to provide 100 table games, poker rooms, private gaming rooms and penthouses, not to mention the most extraordinary water park ever built. Our goal is to provide a gaming entertainment experience that will concede to nothing.”

Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Scott Samuelson concurred. “How great is this?” he asked, waving a hand over the audience and golf course serving as a backdrop for the mixer. “We’ve all been waiting so long, and now the day has come.”

Also on the dais were Christine Schiff, representing the office of Congressman Chris Gibson; Thompson Councilman Richard Sush; Town of Walkill Supervisor Dan DePew; Monticello trustee Carmen Rue; county legislator Ira Steingart; undersheriff Eric Chaboty; and legislator Kathleen La Buda. The atmosphere was one of excitement, enthusiasm and hope for the future of Sullivan County and the surrounding region.