The list of local critics opposing a potential Las Vegas Sands-backed casino at the Nassau Coliseum site in New York is growing, and the latest opponent is Hofstra University.
The Hofstra University trustees penned an open letter about the project detailing the school’s history in the area. The letter also pointed out that 40,000 students ranging from preschool to graduate programs attend school in the area immediately surrounding the venue selected for the casino.
With so many schools, including Hofstra and Nassau Community College, surrounding the area, the trustees were very explicit about why they oppose the project:
“The Nassau Hub is an entirely inappropriate location for a casino. It is surrounded by educational institutions from preschool through graduate school, and a diversity of suburban communities that should not be exposed to the increased traffic congestion, crime, economic harm to local businesses, and other negative impacts that a casino development would likely bring. There are other locations in and around New York City to site a casino that are not in such proximity to multiple educational institutions where so many young people live and learn.”
While Hofstra opposes the venture, Nassau Community College and Long Island University have partnered with Las Vegas Sands to potentially create an expanded hospitality management program on the NCC campus.
Sands executive and former New York Gov. David Paterson previously told local news outlet News 12 Long Island that the objections from Hofstra about the appropriateness of the casino are “misguided”. The venture would be a full casino resort, which, as he noted, would mean only 10% of the venue would be the gaming floor, while the rest would be entertainment, hotel rooms, and other amenities.
When the New York Gaming Facility Location Board evaluates potential licensees for a downstate resort casino, local support will play a role. Garden City has voiced its opposition to the project as well.
