Vernon Downs To Close Without Action from NYS

The future of Vernon Downs may be in jeopardy without action by Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature.

A press statement from Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon on Tuesday evening read:

“I have been notified by my constituents of the possible closing of Vernon Downs in stages, if the legislative and executive branches can’t find a solution to supporting another tax credit extender. I have worked endlessly with my colleagues in the legislature in the past and will continue to do so to assist Vernon Downs to remain open. My number one priority remains the employees and their families”

The Vernon Downs racino - the harness racing track, gambling operations, and hotel - is owned by Jeff Gural, who also owns and operates Tioga Downs.

A tax credit on money owed to NYS from so called video lottery terminals at Vernon Downs have helped offset massive losses at the CNY racino.

In the past, Gural has cited massive losses at Vernon Downs, totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has been able to get state lawmakers to agree to special tax credits that have kept the track open for the last several years. Such previous agreements with the state have allowed Gural to take a portion of taxes owed to the state from Vernon's video lottery terminals and redirect the money to renovation and enhancement of the property.

Harness horse racing at Vernon Downs could come to an end without an agreement between racino owner Jeff Gural at New York State lawmakers.

Vernon Downs opened for it's 70th season on April 15.

New Photos of the new Downtown Utica Wynn Hospital (February 2023)

Just eight months before it's scheduled to open, MVHS officials took WIBX's Bill Keeler and Jeff Monaski, along with Photo Journalist Nancy L. Ford through the new Wynn Hospital in Utica. The new downtown hospital is expected to open in November.

36 Ideas to Inexpensively Make Your Backyard Feel Like a Resort

Here are some fairly easy and inexpensive ways to make your back yard feel like you're on vacation and a beautiful summer resort. If these 5 families can do this in Upstate New York, it can be done anywhere!

Source: Will Vernon Downs Be Closing Soon?

Filed Under: vernon downs

Categories: WIBX News