While the vote did not address a specific casino plan, it was a necessary step in obtaining subsequent permits. LVS has managed the Coliseum site since last November.
The county’s Planning Commission and Bylaws Committee previously approved the lease. Under the terms of the agreement, LVS is required to operate the Coliseum for two years, but will have control of the facility for 42 years.
The Coliseum was formerly home to the NHL’s New York Islanders and is now home to the NBA G-League’s Long Island Nets.
Casino to occupy less than 10% of site
LVS is one of 11 applicants for three casino licenses in southern New York. The company plans to build a $4 billion integrated resort on the 72-acre site if it wins the license. The project includes a casino, four- and five-star hotels, open spaces, and a concert venue. LVS wants to continue the Coliseum’s tradition of hosting live concerts.
The proposal would take up less than 10% of the site. Despite LVS’s efforts to meet with local leaders and residents, the project is still facing resistance. Hofstra University, which is just a mile from the Coliseum, is particularly vocal in its opposition.
“The jobs at the Coliseum are not dependent on this lease,” Terri Coniglio, vice president of marketing and communications at Hofstra, told the Long Island Press. "The purpose of the lease is not to preserve jobs, but to prepare for the construction of a casino on the Nassau Hub site. The 42-year lease precludes long-term development of the Coliseum by anyone other than Las Vegas Sands."
Union Support
Other community members spoke at the meeting. Residents of the Village of Garden City expressed concerns about increased accidents, as well as increased dependency, pollution and traffic. But union leaders support the project.
"The economic development of the county is what is going to take it into the future. We need to look at it objectively," said Matthew Arachic, president of the Nassau and Suffolk Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. "If we hadn't moved forward with this lease, a lot of people would have lost their jobs. And these aren't just jobs, these are careers that they've dedicated many years to. What are we going to do to replace them? Just strike it. That's unacceptable."
The New York State Gaming Commission plans to issue licenses next summer. Each applicant must obtain local approval before applying, and in some cases an environmental study will be required. The Nassau County Commission Rules Committee and the full commission agreed that an environmental study will be required.
If LVS does not receive a license, it plans to build a resort and commercial center on the property.