Sands' Long Island casino project takes step forward with 42-year Nassau Coliseum lease approval

Las Vegas Sands's plan to build a $6 billion casino and resort complex on Long Island took a major step forward after a vote on Monday. Sands has been greenlighted to manage the Nassau Coliseum and its surrounding area, known as the Nassau Hub, in a 42-year lease agreement.

The legislature was not specifically considering the proposed casino plan when it voted, as the company still needs to obtain a state license to conduct gaming. The permits might be granted next year, with 11 bidders vying for three licenses in the downstate area. However, the vote is a necessary step toward getting additional approvals.

Tension built inside the Nassau County legislative chambers all day, but lawmakers ultimately voted to transfer the 72-acre Nassau Coliseum property to Las Vegas Sands, which is expected to protect current jobs there, CBS reported.  A second vote made the Nassau County Legislature the lead agency for an environmental review, which is expected to take six to eight months. While the project still has many hurdles to overcome before it can become a reality, this vote begins the process.

While the legislature had initially voted "yes" on the lease last year, a judge ordered in November that lawmakers re-vote on the casino's approval. At the time, the judge ruled that the county did not properly notify the public or review the development plan before applying for the Coliseum lease.

Opponents worry the casino will raise traffic and crime. Hofstra University, located across the boulevard from the Coliseum, opposes the plan, as do the nearby Kellenberg High School and the Village of Garden City, according to the report.

"Twenty minutes of traffic with Billy Joel closing out the Nassau Coliseum is not the same as this inundation of cars and buses that our roads are not designed to handle," said Allison Obrien Silva, of the Say No to the Casino Civic Association. "Traffic and pollution, crime. It's going to bring DWI fatalities. It's going to bring addiction," said Garden City Mayor Mary Flanagan. 

Supporters say the casino will bring jobs to the region

Supporters including the Nassau Community College say the casino will bring thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the county.

"The potential for the people to provide for their family, it's the here and now," Ryan Stanton, with the Long Island Federation of Labor, told CBS. "If all goes as planned, that's 8,500 construction workers for a term of more than 18 months," added Matthew Aracich, with the Building+Construction Trades Council. 

Las Vegas Sands is among 11 downstate bidders vying for three licenses in the area. The company plans to build a $6 billion integrated resort on the 72-acre plot, including a casino, four- and five-star hotel rooms, outdoor space, and a live performance venue.

It may take until December 2025 for the gaming licenses to be awarded. Should LVS fail to get a gambling permit, it has previously said it would develop a resort and commercial center on the property.