Is a gambling casino still coming?

Say No to the Casino, a local grass roots organization, was as surprised as all residents were to see the agenda item for Monday’s Nassau County Legislature meeting moving forward with the state environmental review process and the Town of Hempstead’s agenda item setting public hearings on May 27th to address proposed zoning changes that would create an “integrated resort district” at the Hub. These announcements suggest Town of Hempstead and Nassau County officials are moving full steam ahead on bringing a gambling Casino to the Hub even after LV Sands has backed out.  Seemingly, they are undeterred by the LV Sands concerns voiced in their statement, the serious environmental issues being raised during the state environmental review process, or the clear lack of community support from residents.

This Monday at 1 pm is an opportunity for residents to speak before the County Legislature (corner of Franklin Avenue and Old Country Road), or to just come and hold up a red and white sign to make clear the lack of community support for a gambling casino here.  Another important public hearing is on May 27th when the Town of Hempstead intends to hear comments on the proposed zoning changes.

The Newsday Talking Point article on May 12th mentions that the new developer will be presenting at the May 27th Town of Hempstead public hearing. https://www.newsday.com/opinion/the-point/bruce-blakeman-ed-romaine-even-year-elections-nassau-hub-o7kc32fw This quick change, shrouded in secrecy, seems to be consistent with the County’s prior efforts to burden our local community with a mega casino.  Those efforts continue to be challenged in the courts.

The Say No group has contacted local leaders to find out more about the mysterious new developer, and were not provided with additional information as of the submission of this article. The group is sharing a link to help residents opposing the casino send emails to the leaders who will be voting on Monday to adopt the final environmental impact statement. https://win.newmode.net/saynotothecasinocivicassociation/votenoonlasvegassandsfeis