Governor David Paterson’s office may choose a developer for Queens’
Aqueduct Racetrack as soon as Monday, sources close to the situation
told Crain’s. Paterson’s office is currently completing its internal
review of the six bids for the site. The project’s bidders include SL
Green Realty, Aqueduct Entertainment Group, Steve Wynn and a
partnership of MGM Mirage and developer R. Donahue Peebles. Paterson
reportedly favors Wynn’s plan, while Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
has supported a plan from Buffalo-based Delaware North Companies. Comments

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Four of the six companies bidding to develop Queens’ Aqueduct Racetrack
have increased their offers to the state. The final deadline for
submitting proposals to Governor David Paterson was last week. SL Green
Realty upped its offer to $275 million from $250 million. Aqueduct
Entertainment Group promised the state an additional $100 million — the
company’s original bid was $151 million — if the state will add more
video lottery terminals at the casino. Steve Wynn doubled his proposal
to $300 million. The partnership of MGM Mirage and developer R. Donahue
Peebles increased its bid but would not say by how much. [more]