By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — Thompson Supervisor Tony Cellini said a theme park is only one of several ideas under consideration by Entertainment Properties Trust (EPT) for the old Concord hotel area.
“They’re talking to everyone,” Cellini said after a Tuesday meeting with EPT and county officials.
EPT owns 1,500-1,700 acres surrounding the site of the former hotel (ex-partner and developer Louis Cappelli still owns the spot where the hotel used to sit).
Operators of theme parks like Legoland have been approached, Cellini confirmed, but so have water park operators and those with interests in other entertainment venues.
EPT itself has international pursuits in skiing areas, movie theaters, and malls, and it’s just announced a planned partnership with Empire Resorts, owner of the Monticello Casino and Raceway.
Pending an agreement on terms within the next two months, both entities – plus real estate development firm MSEG – will spend six months exploring opportunities to work together and options for both the Concord area and the racino site.
Neither EPT nor Empire would comment on the situation, but Cellini said he’s heard they might move the racino to the Concord along Kiamesha Lake – similar to a plan Cappelli once floated.
Cappelli, meanwhile, is still interested in doing something with his property, though Cellini said the developer is staying tight-lipped due to past broken promises.
As for EPT, it has a particular interest in rejuvenating the Monster and possibly International golf courses, which once brought great fame to the resort.
Of course, the question remains: will anything really happen?
“I’ll believe it all when I’m there cutting the ribbon at the grand opening,” said Cellini.