Las Vegas Sands shared its environmental report for a proposed $5 billion resort and casino in Nassau County, and it caused quite a stir.
At a recent public meeting, many people asked for more time to share their thoughts. The Nassau County Legislature listened and decided to extend the deadline for public comments.
Originally, the deadline was January 6, but now people have until January 21, 2025, to give their feedback. This extra time helps the community take a closer look at the project's environmental impact and share their opinions.
Las Vegas Sands Environmental Report for Nassau County
The Sands environmental report, created by the engineering firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, promises to spend over $150 million on improving infrastructure. The plan also includes a beautification project for Uniondale and some surrounding communities.
Sands says their project contains many environmentally friendly features, including:
- Innovative Water and Energy Systems
- Large Green Spaces
- Smart Design
They insist that these features demonstrate the company’s dedication to sustainability and resilience.
Besides the physical changes, Sands says they will also provide substantial financial and program support for local organizations, education programs, and workforce development to ensure long-term benefits for the area.
For example, to help with problem-gambling treatment, Sands partnered with a Long Island nonprofit. They committed $200,000 to The Family and Children’s Association to help set up two new Gambling Support and Wellness Centers.
Opponents Question the Proposed Benefits
The “Say No To The Casino” Civic Association is a group of Nassau County community members who oppose the proposed Sands Casino at the Nassau Coliseum site.
The group claims that the Sands environmental report misleads residents about the negative impact of the project. It also argues that the casino would be very close to two universities and a high school, and that the casino would require too much water from an already low drinking water supply.
They also point out that the casino would be in a congested area that relies heavily on cars and lacks mass transit options. Additionally, the group says the casino and resort would increase air pollution in communities that already struggle with air pollution and climate change effects.
Moreover, Patch News reports that the Village of Garden City's trustees are suing Nassau County to stop the process, according to court documents. A spokesperson for the Garden City Mayor stated that the board has hired a law firm to litigate the 42-year lease between the county and Las Vegas Sands at the Hub.
Sands Casino Expected to Generate Revenue
Sands says their plan will update central Nassau County, create new chances for economic growth, and improve the quality of life for local residents.
The project would cover 72 acres at the Coliseum site. It would feature Sands New York Casino, outdoor community spaces, high-end hotels, and a top-tier live performance venue celebrating the Coliseum's music history.
The resort would also include restaurants run by celebrity chefs, event spaces, and areas for meetings and conventions. Additional amenities include a luxury spa, swimming pool, health club, and various entertainment options.
In keeping with long-running Las Vegas Sands integrated resort policy, the casino would occupy less than 10% of the total square footage.
New York Downstate Casino License Fierce
But none of this will happen if Sands isn’t selected to receive one of the three downstate casino licenses that will be awarded next year.
Eleven bidders are competing for the sought-after downstate gaming licenses.
Besides the Nassau Coliseum proposal, casino projects are also being planned for Queens, Hudson Yards, and Resorts World New York City, just to name a few.
Now that the initial hearing is over, legislators will wait for the public to submit their opinions on the Nassau County Coliseum plan. Comments on the environmental report can still be submitted online.
