The Nassau County Legislative Rules Committee unanimously agreed to release an environmental impact study concerning the proposal to build a casino at Nassau Coliseum.
The full Legislature now needs to approve the measure. If they do, they will schedule a public hearing.
In April, a state Supreme Court judge made a key decision about the future of the Nassau Hub, relying heavily on this environmental report. The judge struck down a 99-year lease agreement between Nassau County and Las Vegas Sands, requiring an environmental study to be completed first.
The decision stems from Hofstra University’s lawsuit against Nassau County. That alleged that the county Planning Commission violated state Open Meetings Law because it had not properly notified the public of a meeting on the lease issue. The Supreme Court judge agreed with the suit.
This is only one step in the process because if the Nassau Planning Commission and the county legislature end up approving a lease for the property, the casino will still need to obtain state approval for a gaming license.
Report Part of the New York Casino Application Process
That’s where it really starts to get tricky.
There are only three licenses that will be granted, and the environmental report is one of the items needed to fulfill the application process.
In June, the Gaming Facility Location Board announced that anyone interested in opening a gaming facility must submit their application by June 27, 2025. After the applications are submitted, local Community Advisory Committees (CACs) will be formed to start their work.
Before the board can recommend which three projects should go forward, each project must be approved by a local CAC. In New York City, this advisory committee will have six members, including the governor, the city's mayor and the borough president.
Competition for Downstate Casino Licenses is Fierce
Eleven bidders are vying for the coveted downstate gaming licenses. In addition to the Nassau Coliseum proposal, casino projects are also in the works in Queens, at Hudson Yards and Resorts World New York City, which unveiled a $5 billion expansion plan.
The project will expand the existing Queens location by adding a 350,000-square-foot casino floor, 1,600 hotel rooms and a 7,000-seat entertainment venue.
SL Green Realty Corp. and Caesars Entertainment announced that they would like to build a casino-resort in Times Square.
Several operators, including Bally’s, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock and Mohegan, have proposed opening casinos in various locations from Manhattan to the Bronx.
Las Vegas Sands Plan For Nassau Hub
The casino would be built on a 72-acre plot, with the casino itself using less than 10% of the land.
The resort would feature a casino, four- and five-star hotel rooms, outdoor spaces and a live performance venue.
Many residents and local leaders oppose the casino because they worry about increased traffic, crime, air quality issues and the risk of problem gambling.
Educational institutions and suburban communities surround this property. Officials from Hofstra University are especially concerned about the casino's proximity to the school.
Next week’s vote to release the environmental study will certainly be under the microscope.
