[toc]The woes for TEN Resort in Atlantic City continue, but this time owner Glenn Straub has very little to do with the problems.
In September of 2016, Robert Landino was named CEO of the property formerly known as Revel and now known as TEN. Now Landino’s involvement in another troubled project could have him in hot water.
Landino’s problems with Hartford Yard Goats drawing federal attention
Landino’s problems began last summer when his company, Centerplan Construction, had its contract to build the new Dunkin Donuts Ballpark for minor league baseball team the Hartford Yard Goats in Connecticut abruptly terminated. Centerplan missed the deadline to have the park ready in time for the new season. It then admitted it would still need an additional 60 days to finish the project.
Centerplan sued the city for payment on the $71 million project. Meanwhile, contractors hired by Centerplan for the ballpark project are suing Landino for lack of payment. Current Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin told the Hartford Courant the project is now under federal investigation.
Landino struck back at Bronin’s implication that Centerplan is the sole party at fault in the Yard Goat debacle.
“We were wrongfully terminated, and the city is in breach of contract. Let’s stop playing petty politics. … I am not running for re-election, and the mayor should not be either. Let’s let this play out the appropriate way, in a court of law.”
Landino also denied any knowledge of an FBI investigation. He said no one from the federal government has spoken with him or his employees regarding the matter.
How does this affect TEN?
The major problem for TEN with Landino’s legal woes is it is yet another story of missed deadlines and failed payments associated with the much-maligned property. Another story of failing to see a project to completion associated with TEN only makes Atlantic City residents and observers all the more skeptical the shuttered casino will ever re-open its doors.
However, there is a chance Landino is not even the CEO of TEN. According to NorthJersey.com, Landino’s deal with Straub and TEN was contingent upon Straub not having to hold a casino gaming license. Straub and local Atlantic City officials are embroiled in a legal battle over that license.
Currently, the NJ Casino Control Commission’s decision says Straub needs a license stands. If that decision is upheld, Straub says his deal with Landino does not apply.
Straub also having tax battles
It would not be a TEN update without some argument between Straub and Atlantic City officials. TEN has not given the city its Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) fees for 2016. This complicated casino payment agreement was agreed to by Revel, but Straub insists his team did not agree to the $20 million payment.
Straub told the Press of Atlantic City he does not intend to pay taxes as if the building were an operational casino.
“We’ve been shut down now for three years. As an abandoned building, we want the value of an abandoned building, not the value of a casino hotel.”