Residents of Nassau County, New York are launching a campaign against Las Vegas Sands’ proposal to build a casino-hotel in the area. They have organized the Say No to the Casino Civic Association and started a Change.org petition, garnering 1,759 signatures so far, with the aim of reaching 2,500 in order to garner more public attention.
The association states that the casino will have a negative impact on the area, leading to an increase in crime, traffic, and noise pollution, as well as placing a strain on local law enforcement and governments. Hofstra University, the Garden City Village Board of Trustees, and other entities have also expressed their opposition to the plan.
Las Vegas Sands is one of several big gaming companies that are vying for three downstate permits in New York, which also includes Bally’s, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Resorts World, and Wynn Resorts. In January, Sands announced they had acquired the long-term leases for the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, potentially giving them access to up to 80 acres of land to develop the casino-hotel.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has outlined his requirements for the casino, which include a luxury hotel and entertainment component, significant revenue for the county and surrounding areas, and community support. It is unclear when the winners of the three downstate licenses will be announced, but it is anticipated that it could happen as late as 2024 or 2025.
