MONTICELLO – EPR Properties, the company that owns the land upon which Empire Resorts will build the Catskills’ only casino-resort, has been sitting on the property for some five years in anticipation that the state would approve the gaming venue.
Gregory Silvers, the company’s executive vice president and CFO, who will now become president and CEO, said on Tuesday, that persistence has paid off when Empire Resorts was the only project selected by the state for the region.
“The board further clarified that it would not consider opening up the Catskills-Hudson Valley region-Capital region to additional applications,” Silvers said. “This was an important statement as it mitigates any lingering concerns about a fourth licensee located in Orange County.”
There was fear that if a casino was approved for Orange County, it would destroy any opportunity for a profitable and successful facility in Sullivan County.
During the Tuesday phone call, EPR Properties founder, president and CEO David Brain announced he was retiring and that Silvers will take over.
