NORWICH – The Norwich Common Council is throwing support behind the likelihood of a casino being established in New York’s Southern Tier.

A resolution brought forward by Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-122nd District) and adopted by council members in a 4-1 roll call vote on Tuesday expresses support for the idea of a casino in neighboring Broome County. According to some city officials, benefits of a casino in neighboring district would trickle into Chenango County and provide a boost to the local economy.

“Most of the council voted in favor,” said Mayor Joseph Maiurano, noting Ward Five Alderman Paul Laughlin’s vote against the proposal. “If there is a casino built any place in Upstate New York, it would definitely benefit the city more if it were in Broome County than any of the other proposed areas.”

In November, New York State residents overwhelming voted in favor to amend the state constitution to allow authorization for up to seven class three casinos in the state. Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that the first of four casinos will be built in Upstate New York, including at least on in Region Five which encompasses parts of the Southern Tier, including Broome County.

State legislatures project that construction of these casinos will provide a huge boost in job growth, increase aid to schools, and set the stage for lower property taxes through additional revenues generated.