NY to consider NYC-wide ideas for center, casino

By MICHAEL GORMLEY

ALBANY, N.Y.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the world's top developers will soon compete to propose a convention center and casino in or close to New York City, possibly including Manhattan or the Belmont race track.

The process may take more than a year and depends on voters approving a referendum to rewrite the state constitution to allow Las Vegas-style casinos, which are now confined to Indian land. That approval remains uncertain. Even Cuomo has said that will be a difficult sell among New Yorkers.

But he says Monday that planning continues for a project that could bring a casino to Manhattan or a convention center and casino package with lavish hotels to the outer boroughs. Other possible sites are the Yonkers race track or one of the publicly owned islands off Manhattan.