THOMPSON - Concord Redevelopment Project supporters showed up at the Thompson Town Hall in droves Tuesday to demonstrate to Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency board members the project’s worth, and to encourage them to approve all tax incentives sought by developers Cappelli Enterprises, Inc, and Empire Resorts, Inc.

Some 200 residents, business owners, local officials, and construction workers from the Concord site, showed at the public hearing, one held just days before a decision will be made as to which tax incentives will be given to Cappelli.

Drapkin:  "breath new life into the county"

Frado, and Town of Thompson Supervisor Anthony Cellini

Concord Raceway Empire Corporation and Concord Associates are asking the Sullivan County IDA for nearly $85 million in tax abatements following the multi-phase Concord project, which includes a new Monticello Gaming & Raceway operation, a 1500-room hotel and conference center, and renovations to its existing golf courses.

The total proposed cost of the project surpasses the $1 billion mark, and is expected by many to bring thousands of jobs to the area, and help stabilize the county workforce and economy.

Pattern for Progress President Jonathan Drapkin spoke in favor of the project.

“Derelict and faded resorts are this county’s Brownfields,” explained Pattern for Progress President Jonathan Drapkin.  “The footprint of this project is not hundreds of pristine acres, but rather a sad reminder of a bygone era.”  Drapkin added that is project will “breathe new life into the county.”

Vice President of Planning and Marketing at Orange Regional Medical Center Rosemary Frado also praised the project for economic reasons.  She noted the county’s current unemployment rate is the highest in the state at over six percent, and that there is a direct connection between that and health.

“Without jobs, there is no healthcare, and without healthcare, people put off accessing healthcare until there is an emergency situation or until it evolves into a more serious chronic condition.”

Several business owners, including Gary Schmidt of Schmidt Wholesalers in Monticello, praised also praised the venture.  “People need rooms, a place to stay in the county so that they’re money stays in Sullivan County.  This project will give us direct rooms onsite.  This project will give us the growth we need to let Sullivan County shine again, like in the old days, but only better.  Let’s get this project done.”

The Sullivan County IDA board will be voting on the tax abatement application Thursday evening.