Many political groups could have input on Aqueduct

New Jersey authorities, New York City officials and state boards could all become involved in the Aqueduct complex Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to build in Queens, the Albany Times-Union reported.

The proposed project, which would become North America’s largest convention center, will likely be opposed by leaders in the Garden State, the Times-Union speculated, as it will almost certainly cut into Atlantic City’s gambling revenue. In a letter to other legislators last week about the project, Cuomo suggested he could get the project approved without support from fellow legislators, the paper said. 

The New York state’s Franchise Oversight Board gets the final say on real estate development at the Aqueduct, and is responsible for ensuring competitive bidding for development rights. Gordon Medenica, member of the oversight board and director of the New York Lottery, said he expects several interested parties will have a role in the development eventually. The land in question is owned by the New York Racing Association and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. [Times-Union]