Plans for the Nassau Hub casino have been put on hold as the State Supreme Court Appellate Division issued a stay on the ruling that annulled the county’s approval of a 99-year lease for Las Vegas Sands to build a high-end hotel and casino. The decision to issue the stay came after a lawsuit brought by Hofstra University, which is located next to the proposed $4 billion casino site.
The appellate judge has set a date for Nov. 21 in Brooklyn for representatives from Hofstra to present their case. If the lower court upholds the ruling, the county will have to restart the legislative hearings for the project. County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed gratitude for the stay, stating that the lower court’s decision would likely be overturned.
The lawsuit filed by Hofstra in April alleged that county planning officials and lawmakers did not provide sufficient notice for public meetings and environmental review before the approval of the lease. Critics of the casino have cited concerns about increased traffic and crime, as well as the potential decrease in property values and negative impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Allison O’Brien Silva of the “Say No” group expressed gratitude for Hofstra University taking legal action in the matter. This development comes after Mets owner Steve Cohen announced plans for an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field, which will be operated by Hard Rock International.
Blakeman reiterated his support for the Sands’ proposal, emphasizing the economic benefits it would bring to the area. Patch attempted to reach Las Vegas Sands for comment on the latest developments. The future of the Nassau Hub casino project now depends on the outcome of the upcoming court proceedings and the decision of the lower court.