Oneida Indian Nation to build USD 20 M NY casino

In the announcement, Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter states,"The Yellow Brick Road Casino will create numerous construction jobs for our local trade workers and more than 250 permanent positions once it opens." The statement also says an "under-used shopping center" will be converted into the casino, a project overseen by Hayner Hoyt Corporation of Syracuse. The design will be created by Hnedak Bobo Group.

The Oneida Indian Nation already operates the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, which is slated to expand in 2016, with a shopping outlet featuring "luxury" goods. Earlier this month, New York State revealed plans for new non-Indian casinos located in Seneca, Schenectady, and Sullivan Counties.

Rochester Developer Thomas Wilmot is slated to build the Lago Resort and Casino in the Town of Tyre in Seneca County. The cost is an estimated US$ 425-million, with pitches that the project will add about 1,500 jobs.

But, the village's Deputy Mayor Mike Sudol said Chittenango has had a positive relationship with the Oneida Nation in recent years, particularly regarding the marketing of connections to L. Frank Baum and Oz. The village holds its Oz-stravaganza each year...and has had financial support from the Oneida Indian Nation.