The Islandia Village Board has unanimously approved the final site plan for the $200 million expansion of Jake’s 58 Casino, paving the way for the addition of parking, pubs, and 1,000 new betting machines at the gaming parlor.
The project, which will also include the refurbishment of hotel rooms, received the green light following a nearly two-hour public hearing, during which few members of the public spoke. The village board voted 5-0 to approve the development.
Islandia Village Mayor Allan M. Dorman raised concerns about proposed elevated pedestrian crosswalks and speed bumps, suggesting the need for a pedestrian bridge instead. However, the concerns were not sufficient to block the approval of the expansion.
“We want everything to be effective and efficient for our customers and our neighbors,” said Suffolk OTB president Phil Boyle, indicating that the agency would consider modifying its plan to address the concerns raised.
The expansion plan calls for a new 110,000-square-foot building to be constructed behind the existing casino-hotel. Parking would more than triple, from 600 spaces to about 2,000, and the new building will house 1,000 new betting terminals, along with approximately 500 machines from the current casino. Additionally, both buildings will include new bistros and pubs.
“We’re elated,” said Boyle, as per Patch. “We’re so grateful to Islandia Mayor Dorman and the village board for this approval. They’ve been great partners through the years, and we’ll continue long into the future with our expanded Jake’s 58.”
Suffolk OTB expects to break ground on the casino expansion by November and begin renovating the hotel by the fourth quarter of 2023. The targeted opening date for the expanded casino floor is late 2025, with more amenities to follow in 2026.
The expansion project is expected to create construction jobs and, eventually, more jobs in the casino and hotel. “It’s a win-win-win for everyone concerned,” said Boyle. The expansion would allow for more money to be spent on Suffolk County and its schools.
The success of Jake’s 58 since it opened in 2017 has made it one of the most profitable betting operations in the state. Over the last three months alone, the casino has generated more than $1 billion, with 98% of the revenue won by bettors, and about $31 million contributed to the state’s public education fund.
The expansion is seen as a significant boost for Suffolk OTB, which was able to escape bankruptcy in 2020 with the help of Jake’s 58 revenue. It is also expected to benefit Islandia, which will receive $47 million spread over 20 years from Suffolk OTB and Jake’s previous owner, Buffalo hospitality giant Delaware North.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2023/08/03/68174-new-york-islandia-village-board-approves-200-million-expansion-of-jake-39s-58-casino
