Author: Frank Esposito

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, has unveiled a plan to invest $15.5 million in repairs to the Bird Island Pier along the Niagara River in Buffalo, New York. This federally funded rehabilitation is designed to preserve a vital navigation structure that supports commercial shipping, local water safety, and recreational use along one of the Great Lakes’ busiest waterways. The initiative underscores federal commitment to maintaining infrastructure that underpins both regional economic activity and community access to the waterfront. Bird Island Pier, originally built in the early 19th century and repeatedly expanded and modernized over nearly two…

New York State’s gaming regulator has granted formal approval to three full-scale casino developments in New York City, clearing a significant milestone after years of evaluations and competing bids. The New York State Gaming Commission voted to award licenses to Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park project and Resorts World New York City in Queens, along with Bally’s Bronx, greenlighting Las Vegas-style casino operations across the city’s outer boroughs. These approvals follow extensive application reviews and community benefit negotiations required by state law and regulatory boards. The trio of casino licenses signals a major expansion of commercial gaming in the region, which…