The Nassau County Legislature made a significant decision on Monday night, voting 19-0 to approve the transfer of the Nassau Coliseum lease to Las Vegas Sands. This move paves the way for Sands to potentially develop a $4 billion casino/resort on the 70-acre Uniondale site. A second vote of 18-1 declared the Legislature as the lead agency for the environmental review required for the project.
The environmental review was mandated by State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor in February, following a lawsuit by Hofstra University. The university claimed that the county’s Planning Commission had violated the state’s Open Meetings Law and failed to properly assess the environmental impact of the lease transfer. Judge Kapoor ruled that the initial transfer of the Coliseum lease to Sands in May 2023 was improper and voided the lease.
Las Vegas Sands has made substantial investments in preparation for its proposed development, including a $54 million payment to the county and millions more in lobbying efforts to secure a casino license from the state. The company has expressed its commitment to developing a resort and entertainment complex on the site, even if it does not receive a casino license.
On July 22, labor groups and business leaders held a rally outside the Nassau County Executive Building to urge the Legislature to approve the lease transfer. They argued that it was necessary to save the jobs of over 400 union workers at the Coliseum. However, an opposition group called Say No to the Casino Civic Association has raised concerns about Las Vegas Sands’ repeated failures to comply with environmental regulations and site selection guidelines.
Despite the opposition, many in the area’s business community and labor organizations support the lease transfer and Sands’ proposed development. Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, emphasized the economic benefits of the project, stating that it would create new job opportunities and support small businesses in the region. Matthew Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, highlighted the importance of securing jobs for Coliseum workers and ensuring the continued operation of the venue.
The approval of the lease transfer marks a significant step in the potential development of the Nassau Coliseum site by Las Vegas Sands. The project has sparked debate and controversy, with stakeholders expressing both support and opposition. As the environmental review process moves forward, the future of the site and its impact on the local community will continue to be closely monitored.
