Contenders Deciding Fate of Future Casino Approvals in Downstate Region
In the race for downstate New York's coveted casino licenses, a crucial role is being played by Community Advisory Committees (CACs). These local oversight panels, each consisting of six members (except for MGM Empire City in Yonkers, which has five members), are appointed by a mix of state and city officials to ensure that casino proposals align with community priorities.
The CAC members, who come from varied backgrounds, typically represent local governmental and community interests to ensure proposals meet local needs. Their roles are to review casino applications, evaluate alignment with community interests and priorities, and hold public meetings to gather community input. They hold binding votes on whether each casino bid has adequate community support. Only bids that get a two-thirds majority approval from their respective CACs by September 30 will advance to the Gaming Facility Location Board for final consideration.
The committees are focused on striking a balance between community development and concerns, providing a platform where the casino proposals' supporters and detractors can have their voices heard before a final vote is cast. For instance, the Times Square casino proposal faces significant opposition from local coalitions, while the Bally's New York Casino proposal in the Bronx has garnered support from local officials like Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who selected Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Sorin for the CAC.
On the other hand, New York City Council Member Kristy Marmorato, who is vehemently against the Resorts World New York City proposal, named Bronx real estate executive Danielle Volpe for the CAC. This reflects the mixed positions on the proposals based on local impacts, such as economic benefits or concerns about safety and neighborhood character.
Not all CACs are yet fully appointed. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards did not appoint a member for the Community Advisory Committee for the Resorts World New York City bid. Similarly, State Sen. James Sanders Jr. and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato have not made appointments for this CAC.
However, New York City Mayor Eric Adams chose Department of City Planning Bronx Director Paul Philips for the Resorts World New York City CAC, and he also appointed Nicole Garcia, the Queens borough commissioner for the city Department of Transportation, for the same committee.
The state Gaming Commission has closed applications for three downstate casino licenses to be awarded by the end of this year. Each of the eight proposals needs the approval of a Community Advisory Committee by a two-thirds vote, with the deadline being Sept. 30. The fate of these proposals hangs in the balance as these local committees deliberate and make their decisions.
- The Community Advisory Committees (CACs) in the race for downstate New York's casino licenses are responsible for ensuring that casino proposals align with community priorities, including transportation, casino-culture, and responsible-gambling.
- The role of CAC members isn't just limited to local governmental and community interests; they also review the alignment of casino proposals with gambling trends and casino-personalities, crucial factors in the casino industry.
- In Las Vegas, a global hub for casino-games and gambling, such committees might also evaluate the impact of proposed casinos on the unique casino-and-gambling culture the city has come to embody.
- As these committees deliberate and make their decisions, it's essential to remember the importance of promoting responsible-gambling practices, a principle that should be upheld in both local community-focused casinos and global gambling venues alike.
