Wawarsing/Ellenville, NY – October 18, 2012: The public review process that will lead to the reopening of the Nevele Grande as a five-star resort, casino and spa has begun. At a scoping session held on Thursday evening at Wawarsing Town Hall, the public was invited to comment on the draft scope for the project’s Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). Nevele Investors LLC, the developer of the proposed $400 million dollar project, has been working with the lead agency, the Town of Wawarsing, on the draft scope for the GEIS, which is an initial step in the New York State Environmental Quality Review process.

The Nevele is currently competing to obtain one of up to seven casino licenses that will be issued if non-tribal gaming is legalized in New York State in November 2013. If a license is secured and the project is approved, the renovation and restoration of the Nevele will be a major economic boon for the area and stimulate the Ulster County economy through tax revenue and the creation of thousands of quality jobs.

“Our proposal for the redevelopment of the Nevele is the product of many meetings with local and county officials and business leaders in an effort to create a plan that is both economically and environmentally sustainable for the region,” said Michael Treanor, CEO of Nevele Investors, LLC. “We look forward to hearing the public’s comments on the project’s environmental components, and will continue our work with the community to incorporate any necessary changes.”

The proposed plan includes the construction of a world-class gaming facility, the reuse of three existing structures, and the creation and restoration of various recreation facilities, including extensive water features, ski/sledding facilities and a championship level golf course. If the Nevele is designated by New York as a site for full-scale gaming, it is anticipated that completion of the project will occur in three phases with operations commencing in early 2014 and final construction completed by spring 2019.

The public has until October 25th to submit any written comments on the draft scope for the GEIS. Once the scope is approved, a draft GEIS will be prepared for further public review. More information on the Nevele plan and a copy of the draft scope for the GEIS can be found on the Town of Wawarsing’s website, www.townofwawarsing.net.

About Nevele Grande Hotel and Country Club

The Nevele property, located in the Town of Wawarsing, NY, just outside the Village of Ellenville, spans over 500 acres and was long considered the crown jewel of the booming Catskills resort industry. The Nevele, which opened its doors in 1903, was, for over a hundred years, one of the region’s prime recreation and sporting destinations.  The property includes over 450 hotel rooms in several buildings including an iconic nine-story tower. The property has numerous amenities, including a professional golf course which has hosted championship events, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, a ski and toboggan slope, an art deco ski chalet with sunken fireplaces, a large outdoor ice rink with a stunning cantilevered roof, hiking trails, horseback riding stables, and an indoor fitness center. The site is convenient to the New York metropolitan area and is readily accessible from Route 17 (I-86) and U.S. Route 209.