A New York state judge has just ruled against the Nassau County agreement to approve a 99-year lease for Las Vegas Sands’ $4bn casino plans. Sands proposed its downstate New York casino complex in April, received protests from locals in May and was hoping to win one of three available licenses in the ongoing New York casino bid process.
Now, according to Supreme Court Judge Sarika Kapoor, who has invalidated the county’s previous approval, the lease is void due to county officials’ earlier circumvention of necessary open meetings and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) before holding their approval vote.
Nearby Hofstra University was in vocal opposition of the casino plans and the plaintiff in this case. The location of its campus is nextdoor to the Nassau Coliseum Hub, which is Sands’ proposed venue. Judge Kapoor happens to be a Hofstra University Law School graduate.
Hofstra University President Susan Poser said, “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.”
Nassau County has not released an official comment, but Las Vegas Sands has stated that it will continue to move forward with its bid, regardless of this ruling.
The company released a statement saying, “Las Vegas Sands is proceeding proudly and enthusiastically with our proposal for an integrated resort and entertainment center at the Nassau Hub.
“We are grateful for the wonderful response we have received from the Long Island community and we will be continuing our very comprehensive outreach as we present this transformational project.”
