A New York state Supreme Court ruling could create major problems for the proposed Nassau Coliseum casino project from Las Vegas Sands.
Back in April Hofstra University sued the Nassau County Planning Commission claiming the group failed to properly adhere to public meeting laws before voting to enter into a 99-year lease with Sands for the land adjacent to Nassau Coliseum. Per Hofstra’s complaint, the commission did not properly notice meetings where the potential lease transfer was discussed.
Last week, New York Judge Sarika Kapoor ruled in Hofstra’s favor, annulling the lease.
“The court recognized the public’s right to participate in decision-making about the current redevelopment plan for the Nassau Hub. We look forward to contributing to the planning process and advocating for the use of the Hub in ways that will best contribute to our thriving community, while protecting against environmental and other harms,” Hofstra University President Susan Poser said in a statement.
However, an appellate court has issued an emergency stay of Kapoor’s decision. That stay will last until next week, when the court will hold an appeal hearing on the case.
“For far too long, the Coliseum site known as The Hub has been languishing in a twilight zone of inaction,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “We are grateful that the Appellate Division granted a stay of the lower court’s decision, and we’re confident the lower court’s ruling will be overturned. I will continue to stand for the proposal by the Sands to develop a world-class luxury hotel, spa, entertainment center, and casino which will bring $5 billion in construction, good paying permanent jobs and tax relief for our residents.”
