On Thursday, Nassau County residents and community leaders gathered in protest against plans to establish the second-largest casino in the United States within their community. This rally comes on the heels of the unanimous vote by the Nassau Planning Commission to transfer control of the Nassau Coliseum to Las Vegas Sands, marking a vital step in the company’s mission to secure one of the limited New York casino licenses.
The Project Has Won Limited Local Support
Thursday saw the Nassau County Planning Commission sign off on a 42-year lease agreement, providing the Nassau Coliseum to gambling operator Las Vegas Sands. This milestone decision follows significant setbacks after the New York State Supreme Court invalidated an earlier lease agreement, arguing it violated the state’s open meeting laws.
Despite this progress, opposition within the community is strong and vocal. Protesters argue that the proposed 400,000-square-foot casino, equivalent to seven football fields, will attract an estimated 23,000 daily visitors, overwhelming local infrastructure and altering the community’s character. Las Vegas Sands addressed the opposition, noting that not all locals opposed the casino project.
People are entitled to their opinion. There is a much greater level of support than opposition.
Las Vegas Sands statement
A recent report by ABC7 New York revealed that several influential local organizations like the Nassau Community College, Long Island University, and Hempstead Chambers of Commerce supported the project, noting the casino would create thousands of jobs and enhance economic opportunities in the region. However, public opinion remains divided as strong opposition has rallied against the proposed casino.
Public Opposition Remains Strong
The Say No to the Casino Civic Association has been one of the project’s most vocal critics, rallying against it since its inception. A recent Newsday/Siena College poll showed most Nassau residents opposed the casino, with 49% against and 42% supporting the proposed venue. Some locals drew unfavorable comparisons to Atlantic City, expressing concern regarding the project’s viability and long-term impact.
The Say No to the Casino Civic Association issued a statement expressing disappointment in the vote. The organization noted that Las Vegas Sands could shutter the Coliseum after only two years and alleged that the casino project was proceeding without the necessary environmental review, expressing apprehension regarding the operator’s plans for the land.
Our County leadership is abdicating their role as stewards of this tax-payer owned land, in exchange for… a future for Nassau County wracked with high crime, environmental strains, and an inevitable increase in gambling addictions.
Say No to the Casino Civic Association
As the lease agreement heads to the rules committee for a vote on Monday, debate over the casino project rages on, polarizing Nassau County. With significant opposition from locals, the project’s future remains uncertain, reflecting broader concerns over the social and economic impacts of such a development in a suburban community.
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