New York Sands Unveils Plans for Long Island Resort Through Rezoning Submission
Text:Sands New York, the proposed $4 billion development by global casino giant Las Vegas Sands, has revealed its plans if it wins one of the three downstate gambling licenses in New York.
Sands is one of more than 10 potential casino projects seeking to secure one of the downstate area's licenses, which include New York City's five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester County. Sands is focusing on a 72-acre site that features the Nassau Coliseum, also known as "Nassau Hub," on Long Island.
Before submitting its casino application to the New York Gaming Location Facility Board, Sands needs the approval of local officials to change the zoning of the Nassau Hub complex so that it can operate gambling if the state allows it. Sands made this request to the Town of Hempstead this week.
The rezoning application provides the first close look at what Sands aims to offer Long Island. According to the submission, the company seems determined to create one of the largest casinos in the United States.
Large-Scale Casino
Sands has said previously that its casino space would take up less than 10% of the resort's overall indoor square footage. With this in mind, those who might not want a full-scale casino with slots, table games, and a sportsbook could be satisfied. However, Sands' calculation includes the space for the complex's planned 1,670 guest rooms in two towers.
The rezoning bid also includes plans for almost 148,000 square feet of food and beverage, around 213,000 square feet of meeting space, a 4,500-seat concert hall, three parking garages, and a 60,000-square-foot "public attraction."
In addition, Sands' plans include a fitness center, spa, health retreat, and indoor and outdoor pools. These resort features ensure the casino space of 393,726 square feet remains within the company's 10% pledge.
At nearly 400,000 square feet, the Sands New York casino would be among the world's largest. It would also rank as the third-largest gaming venue in the US behind Oklahoma's WinStar World Casino & Resort and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, both of which are run by tribes.
Lease Agreement Signed
In September, Las Vegas Sands finalized its 99-year lease agreement for the Nassau Hub after the Nassau County Legislature agreed to give it to the casino operator. Sands made a one-time payment of $54 million to the county in exchange.
Sands New York's success isn't guaranteed. It still needs the approval of local authorities to change the zoning, acquire New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) clearance, and get the thumbs-up from a new Community Advisory Committee. Each committee will have the state governor, applicable county executive, state senator, state assemblyperson, city's mayor, and town supervisor. The advisory committees will consider the casino application and report on local support for the development to the Gaming Facility Location Board.
If everything works out for Sands, it will then compete with other bidders for one of the three downstate licenses from the Gaming Facility Location Board. [
Summary:Global casino company Las Vegas Sands has revealed details of its proposed $4 billion development in Long Island, New York, if it wins one of the state's three casino licenses. The plans include a large-scale casino with over 393,000 square feet of indoor space, making it one of the largest in the US. The project also features a concert hall, parking garages, and a spa. The venture needs local officials to rezone the area, SEQRA approval, and approval from a new advisory committee. [
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Source: www.casino.org
