Las Vegas Sands is making progress towards establishing a $4 billion resort on the Nassau Coliseum site in Long Island. Recent reports highlight that the environmental plan for Sands New York gained approval from the state legislature in November. This extensive 28,000-page document is now accessible for public examination and feedback on the Nassau legislature’s website until January 6, with a public hearing slated for December 9.
Opposition to the casino proposal is significant, particularly from nearby educational institutions like Hofstra University and Kellenberg High School, as well as local communities. Concerns include potential rises in crime, addiction, traffic issues, and environmental harm. A dedicated group, ‘Say No to the Casino,’ is mobilizing efforts to voice opposition during the January 6 meeting.
Originally, Las Vegas Sands was awarded a 99-year lease on the land surrounding Nassau Coliseum, a previous venue for the New York Islanders hockey team. However, this lease was invalidated by a New York state judge in 2023 due to insufficient public discussions.
### Plan Includes $150 Million in Upgrades
In August, both the Nassau County legislature and the Rules Committee gave preliminary approval to a renewed 42-year lease, conditional on environmental assessments. This plan proposes over $150 million in developments, including enhancements for traffic efficiency and measures to safeguard local wildlife. Additionally, it outlines the establishment of a gambling addiction support center.
Expressing their concerns, the Say No group issued a statement on November 22, expressing worries: “Even with additional lanes, our parkways cannot accommodate the traffic surge LVS projects, and we lack viable mass transit alternatives. The proposed casino may ignite an addiction crisis burdening our community’s mental health and social services.”
### Casino to Occupy Minimal Site Area
The Sands New York project encompasses 72 acres at the Coliseum location, featuring outdoor community areas, upscale hotels, and a premier performance venue celebrating the musical history of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Also, the resort aims to include restaurants by renowned chefs, unique experiential events, and adaptable meeting spaces. Additional facilities planned are a luxury spa, swimming pool, fitness center, and diverse entertainment offerings.
The casino component is fashioned to occupy under 10% of the entire resort space, resonating with long-standing LVS resort strategies.
If the project can withstand local opposition, it must still secure state approval amid competition from 11 other proposals. The deadline for bids is set for June 2025, with the New York Facility Location Board planning to allocate licenses by the end of next year.