A public hearing held by the Nassau County Planning Commission on Thursday marked the latest effort to revive the Las Vegas Sands casino project at the Nassau Hub location. A new 42-year lease proposed by Sands was introduced at the meeting, sparking both support and opposition from local residents.
The new lease notably excludes the construction of a casino, a point of contention in the original 99-year lease agreement with the county. “This is just to allow the Sands to operate, occupy, and control the Nassau Coliseum site,” said George Krug, a member of the advocacy group “Say No to the Casino,” told Patch.
Despite the absence of a casino in the current proposal, Krug voiced his opposition during the hearing. “This is clearly meant to entrench Sands as they continue their quest to get a gaming license from the state,” Krug argued. ”Once Sands has control, it’s Sands to control until Sands wants to give it up. That’s what we surmise from this 42-year term.”
The Las Vegas Sands corporation did not comment on the public hearing. In his address at the hearing, George Krug emphasized the financial risks the community might face. He pointed out the lack of an economic impact analysis for a potential casino at the site, questioning whether the project would truly benefit Nassau County and Long Island residents.
Meanwhile, labor leaders from the construction and trades sector asked the 10-member commission to approve the lease so 400 workers can keep their jobs at the arena, which still hosts events, reports Newsday.
Ryan Stanton, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, said “working people are collateral damage” because jobs at the arena are at risk without an operator. “We are here today to ask you as commissioners to deliver on a lease so that the 400 full-time employees of the Coliseum can continue to provide food for their families,” Stanton said.
In contrast, Hofstra University and Garden City residents asked the commission to reject the lease, even if Thursday’s lease proposal explicitly does not grant the right to build a casino, and consider the eventual impact of a large-scale gambling venue on the grounds.
The Planning Commission plans to meet with a park advisory committee next month before making a recommendation to the county legislature.