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.

The post Nassau County Officials Accuse Hofstra of Coordinating with Casino Rival appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The ambitious Las Vegas Sands casino and hotel project in Nassau County received temporary permission to move forward as the Appellate Court issued a stay on a recent ruling that annulled the county’s approval of the venture. A later hearing will decide the project’s fate and will be instrumental in determining its viability.

Rising Public Concerns Culminated in Legal Action

Sands Nassau County’s legal setback arose from a lawsuit filed by Hofstra University, located adjacent to the proposed $4 billion casino property. The university argued that planning officials and lawmakers failed to provide sufficient notice for public meetings and environmental reviews before approving a 99-year lease for the Sands project.

A 9 November court decision voided the existing lease and mandated that Nassau County planning officials restart the application process, including new hearings with the county legislature. The ruling represented a significant victory for Hofstra University as it expressed eagerness to contribute to the planning and protect the community from potential environmental risks.

Critics of the casino project have raised concerns about potential negative impacts on the local community, including increased traffic and crime, decreased property values, and disruptions to nearby neighborhoods. Hofstra University initiated the lawsuit in April, citing concerns about inadequate public engagement and environmental assessments, mirroring other controversial New York casino projects.

Casino Projects Remain a Contentious Issue

The potential significant delays forced Las Vegas Sands to act quickly and turn to the New York Court of Appeals. The appellate judge granted a stay and scheduled a hearing for 21 November in Brooklyn. Hofstra representatives must present compelling reasons why the lower court’s order should remain in place while Las Vegas Sands defends the project.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, an avid supporter of the Sands Nassau project, was optimistic, noting that a definitive court ruling would clear all doubts about the development’s legal status. He reaffirmed that the casino resort would bolster the local economy with well-paying permanent employment and tax relief for residents.

We are grateful that the Appellate Division granted a stay of the lower court’s decision, and we’re confident the lower court’s ruling will be overturned.

Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County, New York County Executive

The fate of the Sands Nassau County project now hinges on the upcoming hearing, as stakeholders on both sides prepare to present their arguments regarding the proposed casino’s impact on the local community and the procedural aspects of the approval process. The increased scrutiny should help ensure that casino developments remain socially responsible and can mitigate gambling’s negative societal impact.

The post Sands Nassau County Casino Project Gains Reprieve with New York Appeals Court Stay appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A state judge has invalidated the Nassau County government’s approval of a 99-year lease agreement, dealing a severe blow to the proposed $4 billion casino complex at the Nassau Coliseum. 

Hofstra University Secures Legal Victory as Judge Nullifies Nassau Casino Lease

The judge’s decision, issued on November 9, not only voids the existing lease but also mandates that Nassau County planning officials restart the entire process, including new hearings with the county legislature. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for Hofstra University, whose campus is adjacent to the proposed casino site, and has been a vocal opponent of the development.

In a public statement, Hofstra President Susan Poser expressed gratitude for the court’s ruling. Poser highlighted the importance of public participation in decision-making and conveyed eagerness to contribute to the planning process while ensuring the community is protected from potential environmental risks.

The legal setback for the casino project comes just days after Mets owner Steve Cohen unveiled an $8 billion casino plan near Citi Field, intensifying the competition among gaming operators for coveted state licenses in the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island.

Las Vegas Sands Stays Committed Amidst Legal Scrutiny of Nassau Casino Development

The judge specifically cited violations of both the Open Meetings Law and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in approving the lease transfer. 

While Nassau County has not issued an official statement in response to the court’s decision, Las Vegas Sands Corporation remains undeterred. In a statement, the company conveyed its dedication to the Nassau Hub project, asserting that Las Vegas Sands is moving forward with their proposal for an integrated resort and entertainment center at the Nassau Hub with pride and enthusiasm.

Judge Kapoor’s ruling orders Nassau County to conduct a comprehensive environmental review of the proposed casino development, emphasizing the failure of the county legislature to take a “hard look” at the Sands casino project beyond the technicalities of the lease transfer.Las Vegas Sands

revealed plans for the significant entertainment, hospitality, and casino complex on the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site in Nassau County, western Long Island, New York back in January.

The multi-billion-dollar project, covering up to 80 acres, aims to offer a diverse range of amenities, including hotels, outdoor spaces, live performance venues, and celebrity chef restaurants. The company, committed to fostering economic growth and job creation, anticipates the resort to generate substantial tax revenue and provide new career opportunities for residents, emphasizing its transformative impact on the community.

The post Legal Blow Halts $4bn Sands Casino Plan in Nassau County appeared first on Keno Wizard.

This clash between corporate interests and community welfare only compounds the growing controversy surrounding the project as more organizations raise concerns regarding the planned Nassau casino’s social impact. The civic organization protested Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s request for tax breaks, accusing the company of undermining the principles of fair taxation and potentially depriving the local community of much-needed funds.

The “Say NO to the Casino” Civic Association represents Nassau County community groups, not-for-profit organizations, local officials, and other parties concerned with preventing the construction of the proposed Las Vegas Sands integrated resort. The organization believes gambling-related societal costs will outweigh the venue’s potential economic benefits and has already organized several protests.

Recent reports regarding Sands’ tax relief request to the Nassau County Industrial Development Association further inflamed tensions as many saw the move as a hypocritical cash grab. The operator asked for sales tax exemptions on various construction expenses, but the Civic Association argued Sands could effortlessly launch the project without financial aid.

It is the height of hypocrisy for one of the world’s most profitable casino companies, with a market capitalization of $45 billion, to ask for tax breaks from Nassau County residents.

The “Say NO to the Casino” Civic Association

The group argues that granting tax exemptions to a multi-billion-dollar corporation like Las Vegas Sands undermines the principles of fair taxation. While local businesses contribute taxes to support public services and infrastructure, providing special treatment to a large corporation can set a dangerous precedent, compromising the principles of equity and transparency.

The Controversy Builds upon Previous Concerns

While similar high-profile projects rarely escape criticism, the Vegas Sands project for a Nassau integrated resort has experienced significant backlash. Hofstra University has been one of the operator’s staunchest opponents, urging local lawmakers to block the construction. The institution believes the casino will hurt the local community, endangering vulnerable students.

The Civic Association shares these sentiments, arguing that a casino will change the neighborhood’s character and increase crime in the area. Despite multiple reassurances from the operator, the group firmly believes the negative impacts of such a large-scale venue would outweigh the potential economic benefits.

The pervasive negative impacts that a casino will bring to our county will require significant additional government and community resources to address.

The “Say NO to the Casino” Civic Association

Rising opposition against the Vegas Sands New York casino project highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between casinos, taxation, and community welfare. Fortunately for protesters, the project still has a long way to go as it competes for one of three limited license slots against other industry heavyweights, giving ample opportunity for constructive debate.

The post Nassau Citizens Rally against Vegas Sands’ Plea for Tax Exemptions appeared first on Keno Wizard.

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.

The post Hofstra Opposes Nassau Coliseum Site Casino Project appeared first on Keno Wizard.