Nassau County residents will have their say on the proposed Sands Casino at the Nassau Coliseum site during a public meeting on December 9. The project, led by Las Vegas Sands (LVS), aims to transform the coliseum site into an integrated resort blending casino gaming, business, and entertainment.
The meeting follows the submission of an 800-page draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) by LVS in November. Residents can provide feedback on the project through Jan. 6, 2025, as part of the public comment period.
Proponents of the casino, including local politicians and labor leaders, cite significant economic benefits. Sands projects the casino will generate $563 million in annual taxes, with $440 million allocated to local schools and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Additionally, the project is expected to create 7,000 construction jobs and 13,000 permanent positions, many of which would be union roles.
“Sands is proposing a world-class Integrated Resort that incorporates multiple components of leisure, business, and entertainment to provide a wide range of experiences for the local community and guests,” the company stated in its DEIS.
However, opposition groups, including Hofstra University and local community organizations, have voiced concerns about the project’s strain on Nassau County’s aging infrastructure. Key issues include the resort’s estimated daily water demand of 110,000 gallons, plus an additional 14,613 gallons for irrigation.
LVS emphasized its focus on sustainability, pledging to implement renewable energy and carbon mitigation strategies. The DEIS outlines plans to integrate photovoltaic (PV) panels in parking garages, conference spaces, and entertainment venues.
“Sands’ proposed energy strategy would help conserve electricity, minimize potential carbon emissions, and avoid significant water consumption associated with cooling towers,” the company noted.
To address water concerns, Sands plans to design and test new wells during construction. Phase 1 of the project is expected to have minimal water impact, while more substantial measures will follow in Phase 2.
The public review and environmental evaluation are essential steps in Sands’ goal of securing one of New York’s three remaining downstate casino licenses. Sands will now face scrutiny after a prior ruling found that the coliseum lease transfer violated open meeting laws and environmental protocols.
With New York regulators expected to announce license awards in late 2025, proposals with unresolved legal or environmental issues could be at risk of rejection.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/12/03/87373-new-york-sands-casino-proposal-for-long-island-to-face-public-scrutiny-at-public-meeting
