Summary:
- The company plans to build at the Nassau Coliseum site.
- Residents are strongly opposed to the plan.
- Traffic, crime, and addiction are the main concerns.
Las Vegas Sands hopes to be selected for casino licensing in New York City.
The company has big plans to create a gambling venue at the site of the Nassau Coliseum. However, residents as well as Hofstra University are not on board, with committees already formed against the plan and protests showcasing strong opposition to the idea.
Rallying Against the Casino Project
On Monday, around fifty residents of Nassau County appeared in front of the local legislative building to oppose the plan by Las Vegas Sands. Elected officials were also on hand to show their support for residents and lack of enthusiasm for the casino project.
The rally was organized by Say No to the Casino Civic Association, with chants sounding through the streets as the residents hoped to get their point across. Residents feel a casino in the area would create more crime, traffic, and gambling addiction. Those involved in the rally feel that such issues coincide with a casino facility.
During the rally, Village Trustee Bruce Chester spoke out against the plans. The Garden City Village Board of Trustees has already passed a resolution opposing the casino project. Chester pointed out that the area is home to 40,000 students, and an existing gambling problem is already an issue among young people. A casino would only cause more harm.
Las Vegas Sands Casino Plans
In early 2023, the gaming company announced plans to create a resort-style casino destination. It is unclear if legislators in Nassau County are planning to vote on the proposal, and it appears as though conditions may be involved.
Bruce Blakeman, a Nassau County Executive, stated that for the casino proposal to be approved, it must be a world-class facility with a luxury hotel and entertainment. It would need to generate significant revenues and include permanent job opportunities. Blakeman also pointed out the plan needs to be supported by the community, and we already know it is not.
The Say No to the Casino Civic Association already has plans to host another rally against the project on April 24. An online petition is also in the works and already has nearly 2,000 signatures. The petitioners do not want to see the casino added near their homes.
Las Vegas Sands has not responded to the backlash of its plan yet. It will be interesting to see if the company decides to move locations or if it will push through in the hopes of gaining enough support to obtain licensing.
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