Crews reach milestone in casino project

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The final steel beam at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino was put up Tuesday morning.  This is a milestone in a project that has been riddled with delays and controversies.

The casino is set to open in the fall of 2013. It will employ more than 500 people when finished, and will create 600 construction jobs.

Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder said, “Our goal is to generate real economic growth, and opportunities to our people, our state’s economy. Seneca Buffalo Creek is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The Seneca Nation Gaming Corporation is one of the largest, fastest growing, private sector businesses in western New York.”

The land was sold by the city in 2006, but the casino project sat dormant for years. The Senecas said the recession caused the delays. But earlier this year, the Senecas unveiled a new scaled-back plan.

Buffalo Common Councilman Michael LoCurto said the new plan would be aimed for locals and not tourists, but the Senecas disagree.  The Senecas say the casino will enhance the downtown experience in Buffalo, along with the growing  waterfront.

The new casino will have 800 slot machines, 16 table games and food from Buffalo’s staple restaurants.