Published on: November 15, 2024, 10:21h.
Last edited on: November 15, 2024, 10:21h.
An environmental impact study related to the proposed construction of a casino hotel by Las Vegas Sands at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY is expected to be released soon.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the Nassau County Legislative Rules Committee voted unanimously to release the environmental impact study, allowing the public to review it and preparing the way for a full legislature vote on the project.
If the legislature approves the environmental review, the next phase will involve a public hearing on the project.
Sands is aiming to construct a $6 billion casino hotel at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. Despite facing some controversy, the LVS bid is considered one of the leading contenders in the competition for New York City-area casino licenses. Several gaming companies and their partners are competing for the three licenses yet to be awarded by the state, expected next year.
Significance of Long Island Casino Environmental Review
While the advancement of the environmental impact study by a single committee may seem procedural, it is crucial as environmental concerns were a key factor in legal issues faced by the casino proposal.
Last year, New York State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor ruled in favor of Hofstra University in a lawsuit against the county, stating that Sands’ lease transfer violated open meeting laws and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) may have been overlooked in the original agreement.
The court mandated that Nassau County provide residents with the opportunity to voice concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of a large-scale project like an integrated resort.
The ongoing environmental review is essential for Sands’ casino plans on Long Island, as under New York law, the lease transfer between the county and the gaming company cannot be finalized until the review is completed.
Environmental Concerns
Details of the impact study findings were not disclosed by the Nassau County Legislative Rules Committee, but they may be revealed soon. The impact of this information on public perception of the casino project remains to be seen.
So far, Sands’ Long Island casino proposal mirrors similar efforts in other regions. Supporters believe the gaming venue could boost the local economy and generate revenue for New York, while opponents express concerns about potential negative environmental effects.
In September, an opposition group raised concerns about the potential strain on Long Island’s water supply by the casino, highlighting possible long-term environmental consequences of the project.