New York: Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel receives preliminary approval for $200M expansion

Jake's 58 Casino Hotel in Long Island, New York received preliminary approval for its expansion project worth $200 million. Suffolk OTB's plan calls for a new building to be located to the north of the existing casino hotel, stretching across 110,000 square feet. Officials hope for a groundbreaking by November, eyeing completion by the end of 2025.

Phil Boyle, president, and CEO of Suffolk OTB, told Patch that the group is excited about the preliminary approval and that it is cautiously optimistic that Islandia officials will grant final approval by August 1st.

"We believe we've answered most of, if not all, the concerns of our neighbors and village officials," Boyle told the publication. "We look forward to continuing a partnership with them as we move toward a big expansion."

The OTB plans for the property to house 2000 video lottery terminals, 500 of which would be transferred from the old building to the new one. Meanwhile, the Jake's 58 restaurant will be converted into a sports bar, as Suffolk OTB officials hope to add a sportsbook. The new building will also be home to a food hall with higher-end and mid-level restaurants, according to Boyle.

Plans also call for the renovation of all 210 rooms in the dated hotel, plus the addition of a concierge level, bridal suites, ultra lounge, and high-end bar. The OTB also eyes adding 1,400 parking spots for a total of 2,000, as well as a three-story parking garage.

Boyle also told the publication that Suffolk OTB is also building a 10-foot sound buffer after some residents complained of the noise. Boyle promised a high-tech 10-foot wall with true soundproofing and greenery on both sides. The wall is expected to cost $1.25 million and to be built early in the potential expansion process to protect neighbors from construction noise.