Nassau County Advances $6 Billion Las Vegas Sands Casino Project After Legislative Vote

The controversial plan to construct a $6 billion Las Vegas Sands casino and resort complex on Long Island took a significant leap forward following a key vote on Monday. Despite the palpable tension in the Nassau County legislative chambers, lawmakers voted to transfer the 72-acre Nassau Coliseum property to Las Vegas Sands. This decision aims to safeguard current jobs at the site and initiate a broader development process.

Legislative Decisions and Environmental Review

The Nassau County Legislature’s vote wasn’t limited to the property transfer. They also designated themselves as the lead agency for an extensive environmental review of the proposed project. This review is projected to take six to eight months, during which the potential impacts of the casino and resort on the local environment will be thoroughly examined.

This vote marks the beginning of what promises to be a complex journey. The project must navigate numerous challenges and regulatory hurdles before it can become a reality. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time lawmakers voted on this issue. A judge previously mandated a re-vote, citing insufficient public notification and an inadequate review of the development plan. This judicial intervention underscored the contentious nature of the project and the importance of procedural compliance.

The proposed casino has sparked a mix of enthusiastic and staunch opposition. Proponents argue that the project could be a significant economic boon for the region. Ryan Stanton from the Long Island Federation of Labor emphasized the job creation potential, noting, “The potential for the people to provide for their family, it’s the here and now.” Similarly, Matthew Aracich from the Building and Construction Trades Council highlighted that the project could employ 8,500 construction workers over an 18-month period.

ers, including Nassau Community College, also foresee substantial revenue benefits for the county. They believe the casino will attract tourists, create jobs, and inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Giro LaRocca, another casino advocate, remarked that the project is more than just a gambling venue. “It’s not just a casino. It’s a resort. It’s a destination. Hopefully, it brings business into Long Island,” LaRocca stated, encapsulating the broader vision for the development.

Concerns from Opponents

Despite the optimism from ers, there is significant resistance to the project. Hofstra University, located directly across from the Nassau Coliseum, leads the opposition, ed by Kellenberg High School and the Village of Garden City. Opponents voice concerns over potential increases in traffic congestion, crime rates, gambling addiction, and environmental degradation.

Allison O’Brien Silva from the Say No to the Casino Civic Association highlighted the traffic issues, saying, “Twenty minutes of traffic with Billy Joel closing out the Nassau Coliseum is not the same as this inundation of cars and buses that our roads are not designed to handle.” Garden City Mayor Mary Flanagan echoed these sentiments, expressing fears about pollution, crime, and public safety, including the potential for more drunk driving incidents.

Opponents also criticized Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for what they perceive as a lack of transparency and community engagement in striking a deal with Las Vegas Sands. The feeling of being blindsided by the rapid progression of the project has fueled much of the opposition’s fervor.

Las Vegas Sands is one of 11 bidders vying for three coveted downstate casino licenses. The process for awarding these licenses is expected to extend until December 2025. This extended timeline means that the fate of the Nassau Coliseum casino project will remain uncertain for some time.

Additional Legislative Actions

On the same day as the casino votes, the Nassau County Legislature also ed the Mask Transparency Act. This new legislation makes it a misdemeanor to wear a mask or face covering to conceal one’s identity in public. Offenders could face up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. The bill was introduced following a series of antisemitic incidents where perpetrators were masked, and it has received from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is expected to sign it into law.

Source:

”Long Island is one step closer to another casino. Here’s what happened with Monday’s vote.”, cbsnews.com, August 05, 2024.