Huge number of casino patrons causing traffic congestion

TIMES INT'L

By North American Correspondent

There is profitable business for the recently opened Richmond Hill casino but with the new video gambling enterprise which is based at the famous Aqueduct racetrack come big traffic headaches and parking problems for the Richmond Hill community.

The casino builders did not cater for the huge number of people who have patronized the casino resulting in massive traffic jams around the casino area, situated at 111 Street and the Conduit at one entrance and another at Rockaway Blvd.

Some eight million people are expected to patronize the casino annually impacting on the quality of life for area residents.

The traffic problem around the casino is expected to get worse as hotel and other businesses are due to open next year. The crowds at the casino on weekends had been massive. The casino is raking in thousands of dollars since it was opened and so far, it is believed that revenues have exceeded expectations.

Residents of Richmond Hill have complained that traffic congestion is unconscionable and the quality of life is compromised. Persons have said that it is difficult to get to their drive- way. Traffic was so dense last weekend that people had problem maneuvering through a single block to get to their homes.

Guyanese residents, led by Albert Baldeo, Mahadeo Persaud, Chuck Mohan, Vishnu Bisram and others, had opposed the introduction of casino gambling in the area and had organised several rallies and petitions against it. But they were overruled by the then Governor David Patterson, who gave approval for it as it was expected to bring in millions of dollars in revenue to City coffers.

Casino officials are encouraging persons to take mass transit as a way to reduce vehicular traffic. Richmond Hill residents hope that traffic chief would visit the area soon to address their concerns.

Elliott Gangaram, who lives near the new casino, related that the bus that traverses the area has to now make additional stops to accommodate gamblers and in the process neglecting students who need to get to and from school and people having to get to work on time.

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