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New York Gaming Update - April 2024

The state Gaming Commission indicated last month that it likely won’t start accepting applications in the high-stakes casino bidding war until the City Council approves a land use change necessary to build a casino in the five boroughs. The state commission previously said it would also not begin considering those applications until state-appointed advisory committees meet to evaluate the bids. This pivot means casino licenses won’t be awarded for many more months, if not longer — much to the dismay of gaming applicants.

In 2022, the New York State Legislature passed a law to expedite the process with the hope that the bidding would have started last year. At the very least, the regulatory body suggested it will not open the bidding process until the approval of a citywide zoning change, which could happen in the coming weeks. The Commission could wait on accepting applications until some bids obtain additional zoning approvals — like state legislation or city zoning modifications — specific to their projects. “The Board is cognizant of the many factors relating to the zoning requirement, including New York City’s proposed text amendment relating to gaming facilities and of the many zoning-related questions posed by applicants during the first two rounds of questions,” reads a statement from the Gaming Commission, referencing the powerful Gaming Facility Location Board, which will ultimately award the licenses. “The updated timeline, expected to be finalized soon, will consider these and other factors.” Each project must first get sign-off from ad hoc casino boards appointed by state and city leaders for their applications to be considered. None of those boards have even been set up yet. “The Gaming Facility Location Board will provide applicants a reasonable amount of time to obtain zoning approval for their proposed projects – a statutory requirement for Board consideration,” the gaming commission said in a statement to POLITICO.

LEADING ALBANY LAW FIRM ADDS NAMED PARTNER

For Immediate Release 
For more information contact:
James Featherstonhaugh: jdf@fcmlaw.org 518.436.0786
David Fleming, Jr.: dff@fcmlaw.org 518.436.0786 

ALBANY, NEW YORK - The partners of Featherstonhaugh, Wiley & Clyne, LLP (FWC), a leading law firm specializing in government relations, regulatory affairs, business law, health law, and association management, have announced that Jonathan S. McCardle, Esq., a partner with the firm, has been elevated to a named partner. The firm is now Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle, LLP (FCM). 

“Jonathan’s exceptional service to our clients and overall contributions to our firm’s strategic plan for continued growth, makes this name change a logical evolution for the next generation of our operations,” said partner James Featherstonhaugh. 

FCM has an unparalleled reputation and history in Albany as a leading government relations and law firm focused on bridging the gap between business and government. The firm is also the New York capital city member of SCG Legal*, bringing clients access to law firms in all 50 state capitals in the United States as well as in the world’s commercial centers. 

“I’m truly honored by this opportunity and value the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of this firm for decades. I’m excited for the growth and services for our clients that are ahead,” stated Jonathan McCardle. 

Jonathan, a graduate of Siena College and Albany Law School of Union University, joined the firm in 2011. He has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of governmental relations, administrative law, complex litigation, and procurement. As an attorney, Jonathan is a skilled courtroom advocate who has represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and other tribunals across New York State. His most recent success was obtaining a nearly $1MM award in a FINRA arbitration proceeding. 

“Jonathan’s remarkable track record of melding the historical successes of our firm with new avenues for growth for our clients and the firm, make this change a natural next step in our development,” stated Chief Operating Officer David Fleming, Jr. 

Jonathan is co-author, along with Elizabeth K. Clyne, of the New York Chapter of “Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance”. As a registered lobbyist, Jonathan has represented private corporations and clients in the areas of healthcare, racing and gaming, financial services, and alcohol beverage control. 

Jonathan is also a founding board member and current corporate officer of the New York Chapter of Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members and first responders. 

“Jonathan’s commitment to comprehensive client services compliments where we are and where we are going as a firm. He brings a thoughtful strategic approach to our representation and our client services,” said Managing Partner Elizabeth Clyne. 

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*Members of SCG Legal practice independently and not in a relationship for the joint practice of law. 

FWC and NYS Tug Hill Commission Publish Cemetery White Paper

Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle, LLP is pleased to announce that COO David Fleming and the New York State Tug Hill Commission, have published the second addition of a white paper guide for municipal governments dealing with cemetery abandonment.

This publication follows educational events for municipal officials at Tug Hill Commission events by Mr. Fleming on the transition of abandoned cemeteries to municipal control. It also follows an industry standard webinar FCM presented for municipalities across New York.

The publication may be found at this link:https://tughill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Abandoned-Cemeteries-and-Municipal-Responsibilities-2023.pdf;

FCM and NYS Tug Hill Commission Publish Cemetery Guide for Municipalities

Featherstonhaugh, Clyne & McCardle, LLP is pleased to announce that COO David Fleming and the New York State Tug Hill Commission, have published the second addition of a white paper guide for municipal governments dealing with cemetery abandonment.

This publication follows educational events for municipal officials at Tug Hill Commission events by Mr. Fleming on the transition of abandoned cemeteries to municipal control. It also follows an industry standard webinar FCM presented for municipalities across New York.

The publication may be found at this link:https://tughill.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Abandoned-Cemeteries-and-Municipal-Responsibilities-2023.pdf