Sands has been given a 42-year lease to operate the Nassau Coliseum, possibly leading to a casino
The Nassau County Legislature recently approved a proposal to lease the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property to Las Vegas Sands. This decision, which passed with an 18-1 vote, came after the county’s Planning Commission and the Legislature’s Rules Committee gave their approvals earlier in July. The approval marks a pivotal step in Sands’ plans to develop a casino and resort on the site, although this particular vote only granted a 27-year site-control lease with potential renewals, not directly tied to the casino’s construction.
The lease approval process for the Nassau Coliseum has been a long and contentious journey. Previously, Sands had been granted a 99-year lease, but this was invalidated by a New York State judge. Despite this setback, Sands maintained control of the property since November 2023. The company plans to invest $4 billion to transform the site into a major casino and resort, a development supported by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and several county legislators.
However, the casino proposal has faced mixed reactions from the local community. Some residents, organized under the Say No To The Casino Civic Association, have expressed concerns about potential increases in gambling addiction, traffic, and crime.
Additionally, the neighboring Village of Garden City and Hofstra University have voiced strong opposition. Garden City’s mayor, Mary Carter Flanagan, and other local leaders argue that the casino would bring negative impacts to the area, including increased traffic and pollution.
On the other hand, labor leaders and some county officials support the lease and the proposed development, emphasizing the economic benefits and job creation potential. Matthew Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Ryan Stanton, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, have highlighted the importance of high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth associated with the project.
The Nassau Coliseum, a historic venue and former home to the New York Islanders, has seen numerous plans for its redevelopment over the years. The recent lease approval by the Nassau County Legislature represents a significant step forward, with Sands poised to undertake a major transformation of the site.
The company’s next hurdle will be securing the necessary gaming licenses from the state, a process that could extend into the next year. If the casino plans are approved, it will mark a new chapter for the Coliseum and the surrounding area, potentially bringing significant changes to the Nassau Hub.
