A brand-new New York casino site proposed by Las Vegas Sands Co. has faced further opposition from Hofstra University. The project would see an entertainment complex at the Nassau Coliseum site in New York.
The location would include:
- A casino
- Hotel
- Large event space
The casino project at Nassau Coliseum, the surrounding area known as the Nassau Hub, is right next to Hofstra University. Therefore, it faces strong resistance.
New York casino faces strong opposition from Hofstra University
LV Sands’ project proposal has received a mixed response from local stakeholders. The latest answer came from Hofstra University, which issued an open letter against the proposal for the Nassau Hub. The university statement reads as follows:
“The Nassau Hub is an entirely inappropriate location for a casino. It is surrounded by educational institutions from preschool through graduate school, and a diversity of suburban communities that should not be exposed to the increased traffic congestion, crime, economic harm to local businesses, and other negative impacts that a casino development would likely bring.
There are other locations in and around New York City to site a casino that are not in such proximity to multiple educational institutions where so many young people live and learn.”
Garden City also against Las Vegas Sands proposed casino site
Apart from Hofstra University, the Garden City Village Board voted to take an official stand against the project proposal. Since the Board has no formal power, their vote is considered a symbolic gesture. But it sends a message to the New York regulators.
While the developer is confident the project would bring jobs and tax revenue, those against the project have other concerns. They worry about increases in traffic and crime with negative impacts on students at nearby colleges. Peter Jacobs of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association stated: “It’s not good for our community, it’s not good for Nassau County. Those casinos bring in crime.”
Residents from across Nassau County have formed a nonpartisan group called Say No to the Casino Civic Association. They signed a Petition Against Sands Casino at Nassau Coliseum, which has garnered more than 1,500 signatures.
Meanwhile, News 12 received a statement from LV Sands about the vote: “We look forward to continuing conversations with the village of Garden City and all interested individuals to ensure that this integrated resort is a benefit to everyone.”
The Nassau County Legislature will have the final say in the fate of the proposed casino project.
Race for the New York casino is well underway
In April 2022, the Empire State authorized up to three casino licenses for downstate New York. That includes New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
Qualifying bids require:
- A minimum $500 million capital investment
- An additional $500 million for the gambling license fee
Developers must also pay a non-refundable $1 million application fee.
Las Vegas Sands is not the only company setting its sights on building a New York casino and resort. Bally’s and Hard Rock are in the race for a NY casino license too. Proposals came from several companies, including:
- Caesars and SL Green Realty, looking to put a casino in a Times Square skyscraper
- Mohegan, partnering with the Soloviev Building Company on the waterfront bid
- Saks Fifth Avenue, pitching a high-end casino at 611 Fifth Ave.
- Related Companies and Wynn Resorts, willing to build a casino at the gleaming Hudson Yards
- Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation and Legends, pushing for a hotel and casino at Coney Island.
The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board will select the winners and send suggestions to the New York Gaming Commission. Formal bids will be submitted in the coming months, with final selections expected to be made in late 2023.
