FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com march 14, 2013 • THE QUEENS COURIER 33 Resorts World bringing in coin? YOU BETCHA BY TERENCE M. CULLEN tcullen@queenscourier.com Cha-ching. Revenue and money played at Resorts World Casino New York City is on the rise compared to a year ago, while neighboring gaming zones are seeing a drop. In January and February 2013, the Racino had an 11-percent tax revenue increase and a 25-percent increase in amount played from the same time last year — the first full year Resorts World has been able to produce in its now 15 months of business. The combined months had $2.4 billion played, leading to $116 million in total revenue. In return, the Racino sent almost $80 million back to the state — as always, earmarked for education and the racing industry. The spike in numbers also comes as a surprise with a shorter February this year, as 2012 was a leap year with a 29-day month. “Resorts World Casino New York City’s model has continued to maximize gaming revenue for New York State in a manner that has not been replicated by any other facility in the nation in our nearly year and a half of operation,” said president Michael Speller in a statement. “2013 is shaping up to be another record setting year, and we are proud to contribute this astonishing amount of revenue towards the education of New York’s students.” Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s slot revenue hot streak might be over. For February, revenue for the state’s 11 casinos was down more than 9 percent from last year — something Resorts World proponents say is in part thanks to New York gamblers staying home to bet. Last February, there were only 10 operating casinos in the Keystone State — Valley Forge Casino Resort opened last March — and those, compared to last year, are down a combined 11.5 percent. FLYING FOOD Shake Shack and Blue Smoke coming to JFK BY TERENCE M. CULLEN tcullen@queenscourier.com Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport is about to get a “shake” up. City favorites Shake Shack and Blue Smoke will soon set up shop in the terminal as it undergoes renovations. The first phase of the restaurant upgrades will be ready by May. The expansion will cost $28 million and is partially inspired by a larger Delta Airlines expansion at the terminal. “These new restaurant offerings, which complement the exciting renovations made by food and restaurant developer SSP just a few years ago, demonstrate that Terminal 4 is again raising the bar,” said Alain Maca, president of JFKIAT. Along with offshoots of the popular NYC hotspots, other new eateries include: Uptown Brasserie, Street Food by Marcus Samuelsson, La Brea Bakery, Dunkin’ Donuts, Central Diner, McDonald’s, Le Grand Comptoir, Asobu, Camden Food Co., The Palm Bar & Grille and Buffalo Wild Wings. Photos courtesy of SSP America DEP now offers sewer insurance BY MAGGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a new system to protect homeowners, their water and hopefully, their wallets. Residential property owners citywide are responsible for maintaining their water and sewer service lines, which can stretch underground from homes and out to the middle of the street. If any part of that line is compromised and needs repair, the cost could come from homeowners’ pockets. Under the new citywide program, the DEP has partnered with private company American Water Resources (AWR) and now offers a monthly fee to cover potential service line issues. As opposed to paying thousands of dollars to repair a water or sewer line break, costs for the AWR program run up to $12 a month. “This is such a simple process,” said Karen Ellis, borough coordinator for Queens at the DEP. “Everything is included.” For the fee, members receive unlimited protection for covered repairs, an unlimited number of claims, 24/7 customer service and licensed plumbers making fixes. “The service line protection programs are a key component of our ongoing effort to provide the best customer service,” said DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland. “By informing property owners about their responsibilities and providing an optional and affordable way to protect them from unexpected repair costs, the programs offer a valuable service to our ratepayers throughout the city.” Customers can elect to choose just the water protection program, just sewer line protection, or both. They may also discontinue their involvement at any time. Rates are subject to potential increases. AWR provides protection services in 35 states, according to Malcolm D. Connor, AWR president. For more information on AWR and the water and sewer protection programs, call 1-888-300-3570 or visit AWRUSA.com/NYC. THE COURIER/File photo Resorts World numbers are up compared to last year.
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