He told us that Crossgates currently occupies 171 acres, which is less than one half of one percent of the town land, yet represents 11 and a half percent of the town's economic base. If the expansion proposal is carried out, Crossgates will represent 16 percent of the town's economy. Imagine what will happen. But Albany County is probably going to repeal the sales tax, so the shortfall will probably have to be made up in property taxes, Mr. Csaposs pointed out. In answer to a question, Mr. Letson believes that Pyramid may be planning to turn Crossgates into a giant casino if the current governor gets his way and legalizes gambling.
Casino gambling is the only thing that makes sense about the expansion.
They've already held a 'gambling day' for the Elk's Club in a tent in the parking lot of Crossgates, and they've sponsored bus trips to the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. The plan seems to be to get people used to the idea. We want everything to be in the light of day. We want to have public officials show where they are by their public behavior. Visit their website .