Nassau County officials have leveled accusations against Hofstra University, alleging that the institution is colluding with a competitor to sabotage the Nassau Coliseum casino bid. 

Nassau County Executive Reveals Troubling Evidence of Hofstra’s Role in Casino Project Controversy

Nassau County Executive, Bruce Blakeman, held a press conference on January 17, revealing that there is evidence suggesting Hofstra’s collaboration with Hard Rock International, a key player in the bid to establish a casino in the Citi Field parking lots. 

Blakeman cited a Newsday column, highlighting an email from a consultant to Steve Cohen’s bid office, indicating potential communication with Hofstra.

Blakeman expressed his deep concern, stating that they found the situation very troubling and hypocritical. He went on to suggest that there might be collusion or coordination on the part of Hofstra with another entity against the Nassau Coliseum bid, thus exacerbating the already contentious conflict.

To reinforce their allegations, Nassau County issued subpoenas to Hofstra, demanding documents related to any communication with Hard Rock Seminole regarding the casino project. The subpoenas, served by the county sheriff’s office, underscore the seriousness of the allegations.

Hofstra President Summoned as Nassau Coliseum Bid Hangs in the Balance

Hofstra University President, Susan Poser, has been summoned to testify before the county Legislature on Monday. In a statement, the university mentioned that they would adhere to the law in responding to the subpoena, while also dismissing it as another attempt to divert attention and hinder a fair and open process concerning the transfer of Nassau County land.

The Nassau Coliseum bid, potentially facing demolition to make way for the casino, has been entangled in legal battles, with Hofstra filing a lawsuit last April to block the project. A judge sided with Hofstra, nullifying the 99-year lease agreement, leaving the casino bid in limbo. Nassau County has since appealed the decision.

Amidst the allegations, Hard Rock International swiftly denied any communication with Hofstra related to Nassau. Jonathan Goldman, a spokesperson for Hard Rock, emphasized the company’s commitment to “integrity, honesty, and transparency.”

The casino competition in New York has intensified, with developers vying for three $500 million downstate casino licenses. The Nassau and Queens bids are seen as strong contenders, benefitting from less congested locations compared to proposals targeting Manhattan.Last week S&P Global Ratings warned operators of significant financial risks, citing potential licensing fees as high as $1 billion each. Major players like MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts are vying for the licenses, with proposed projects ranging from $2 billion to over $5 billion. Despite the financial challenges, experts see a strategic long-term gain for victorious operators, although the timeline for developments may extend into 2025.

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The conflict between Las Vegas Sands and Hofstra University continues. More than a month after submitting an open letter concerning the proposed construction of Sands casino resort at the Nassau Coliseum site in New York, the university urged local lawmakers to block the construction.

As reported by nypost.com, Hofstra’s president, Susan Poser, believes that the casino will hurt the local community. In addition, she says that the Nassau Hub is simply not an appropriate place for an integrated resort as it may spark intense traffic, crime, pollution and gambling problems in the area.

Poser also noted that the Nassau Hub has many students who are considered to be a demographic that is vulnerable to gambling harm. Considering that the planned casino will be close to Hofstra University, Nassau Community College and Kellenberg Memorial High School. In addition, there are other learning establishments in the vicinity.

As a professional educator, I entreat you to weigh the risks to our youth posed by placing a casino in the heart of a local university community and near many other schools with students ranging from preschool through high school.

Susan Poser, president, Hofstra University

Not Worth It in the Long Term, Poser Says

In addition to the dangers the casino will pose to this cluster of learning establishments, it will also be a problem for the area and the nearby Uniondale, Hempstead and Roosevelt, which are predominantly minority and lower-income neighborhoods.

People from poorer areas tend to be more vulnerable to crime, multiple studies suggest. Furthermore, the casino vicinity will likely see a boom in crime and drug distribution.

Instead of building a casino, Poser proposes establishing a tech and life sciences hub. She noted that she doubts the potential Nassau property will be beneficial in the long term, although she conceded that there might be short-term economic gains.

Poser also scrutinized Sands’ intentions to return to the US market after selling its Las Vegas properties and focusing on Asia.

Supporters Refuted Hofstra’s Claims

Sharing his thoughts on Poser’s points, Nassau Country executive Bruce Blakeman said promised the Nassau County Police will be paid by Sands to protect the area from crime. He noted that the venue will be a luxurious entertainment venue rather than a run-down 70s casino.

Las Vegas Sands, meanwhile, said that even if Hofstra University does not approve of its integrated resort plans, there are plenty of organizations, including other learning establishments, that support the development.

Even if Sands secures the community’s backing, it is yet to officially receive a license in the state. New York is expected to hand three licenses to casino operators.

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Hofstra University wrote an open letter concerning the proposed construction of a Las Vegas Sands casino resort at the Nassau Coliseum site in New York. The university highlighted the educational significance of the area and said that it opposes the project because of its proximity to numerous learning institutions.

Hofstra Highlighted Its Activity in the Area

“We, Trustees of Hofstra University, oppose Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s proposal to build a casino in the area surrounding the Nassau Coliseum on Hempstead Turnpike in Nassau County, Long Island,” the letter begins.

Hofstra noted that it has occupied its current site for almost nine decades and has grown from a liberal arts college to a big university with thousands of students. It employs around 2,500 people and is a major economic driver for the town, country and state, the letter says.

Hofstra added that it is а nationally recognized arboretum and the only university to have hosted three US presidential debates in a row. The university also spoke about its community-oriented programs and activities in detail.

Hofstra students compromise around a quarter of the 40,000 students in the proximity of the Nassau Hub.

The University Opposes the Casino

According to Hofstra, the Nassau Hub is not an appropriate location for a casino because of its proximity to various schools and universities. It added that there are local communities that should not be exposed to the increased risks that gambling may attract.

The Nassau Hub is an entirely inappropriate location for a casino. It is surrounded by educational institutions from preschool through graduate school, and a diversity of suburban communities that should not be exposed to the increased traffic congestion, crime, economic harm to local businesses, and other negative impacts that a casino development would likely bring.

Hofstra open letter excerpt

The Hofstra trustees believe that there are many locations in and around New York City that are not so close to learning institutions and would be better sites for a future casino.

The university is not the first entity to oppose the casino as locals remain divided on the topic. Garden City leaders, for example, took a formal stance against the construction of a casino at the Nassau Coliseum site.

New York’s Governor, David Paterson, on the other hand, believes that people’s concerns are overblown. According to him, few account for the fact that the proposed property would be a casino and hospitality venue that will not be entirely focused on gambling.

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