Las Vegas Sands needs local and county approval in order for its bid to move forward. The committee also approved a state-mandated environmental review.
In 2022, Nassau County leased the Coliseum land to LVS for 99 years. However, Hofstra University challenged the lease in court. At that time a judge held it was invalid because there was no environmental impact study before the lease was granted.
The rules committee approved the lease at a packed meeting last Monday (22). But residents and local neighbours, including Hofstra, opposed the casino idea. Under the lease, LVS would be required to keep the Nassau Coliseum open for a minimum of two years. However, it allows the company to keep control over the property for a total of 42 years. The site is the former home of the NHL’s New York Islanders and current home of the NBA’s minor-league Long Island Nets.
Some residents complained that this plan would prevent further development at the site.
Las Vegas Sands has pledged to keep about 400 people working at the project, which has led to support from labour unions.
Hofstra University officials remain strongly opposed to the project, which they say is too close to the school.
The proposed Sands New York would be a US$4 billion integrated casino resort on 72 acres at the location. In addition to the casino, the project would include outdoor community spaces and four- and five-star hotel rooms.
“Our company’s track record of driving significant economic benefits to the communities in which we operate and the meaningful relationships and partnerships we have created in each of those communities gives us a unique perspective on what it takes to develop transformative tourism destinations that positively impact the local community,” said LVS CEO Robert Goldstein when the plans were announced.
“Based on that experience, we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments.”
Las Vegas Sands is also promising a world-class live performance venue honouring the legacy of live music at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Source: GMB / iGB
