Aug. 31, 2009 (Business Wire) -- A survey of Queens voters shows that SL Green Realty Corp.’s bid for a Hard Rock Casino and other Hard Rock-themed offerings at a redeveloped Aqueduct Racetrack is the favored choice of the community.
The third-party survey, commissioned by SL Green, demonstrates that the Hard Rock brand is well liked in Queens and is the best known of all the bidders, clearly indicating that an SL Green/Hard Rock project would not only be well received, but well utilized by Queens residents. The survey results also show that Queens voters strongly favor an Aqueduct developer that combines deep New York roots and a commitment to union jobs with a strong understanding of the gaming industry.
Two-thirds of voters (67%) say it is important for Aqueduct to be developed by a company based in New York – as SL Green is – and 84% say it is important for the company developing Aqueduct to have experience developing and running casinos – as Hard Rock does. No other bid meets both criteria.
“Hard Rock and New York City are a natural match, so it’s no surprise that Queens voters want to see more world-class entertainment, dining and gaming from the Hard Rock franchise – right in their own community,” said Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International. “Our bid will not only provide the community with a place to come together and be entertained, but it will also create jobs – nearly 1,000 – for local residents and union members. Queens deserves a Hard Rock of its own.”
“These poll results verify that we have been on the right track from the beginning,” said SL Green CEO Marc Holliday. “Our intention continues to be to redevelop Aqueduct in a way that is the best fit for Queens and surrounding neighborhoods while fulfilling the State’s economic objectives. No other proposal is as well-planned. The SLG/Hard Rock team will deliver the union jobs that Queens voters want faster than any other bidder. In fact, the SLG/Hard Rock team is the only group that is guaranteeing an opening within eight months of final agreements being reached and signed – with a significant self-imposed penalty paid to New York State, should the project be delayed thereafter."
“I am invested in this proposal because of the enormous opportunity Aqueduct represents through the creation of local jobs, the opportunity for New York State to receive important revenue, and bringing world-class entertainment to Queens,” said Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies and an investor in the SL Green/Hard Rock bid through one of his companies, Caribbean CAGE LLC.
In the survey, Queens voters were asked to rate certain statements describing various elements of the SL Green/Hard Rock proposal.
