Hofstra University Opposing Long Island Casino Proposal

In the American state of New York and the leadership of Hofstra University has come out against a plan from Las Vegas Sands Corporation that would see a multi-billion-dollar casino resort brought to an 80-acre plot of adjacent land.

The private Long Island university’s 25-member board of trustees has written an open letter to formally oppose the proposal to construct a Las Vegas-style venue complete with multiple restaurants, ballrooms and a health club on a derelict site next to the 14,000-seat Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This project is destined to serve as a significant part of the ambitious ‘Nassau Hub’ scheme so as to transform the area around the 51-year-old sports facility into a world-class destination district also featuring offices, other entertainment components, retail spaces and a residential element.

However, the leadership for Hofstra University used its letter to declare that the ‘Nassau Hub’ scheme is ‘an entirely inappropriate location for a casino’ as the site is currently encircled by a range of ‘educational institutions from pre-school through graduate school’ alongside ‘a diversity of suburban communities’. The board of trustees asserted that the plan from Las Vegas Sands Corporation would also likely bring ‘increased traffic congestion, crime, economic harm for local businesses and other negative impacts’ to this area.

“There are other locations in and around New York City…that are not in such proximity to multiple educational institutions where so many young people live and learn,” the Hofstra University letter read.

Hofstra University was established in 1935 as an extension of New York University and currently runs 180 undergraduate and 190 graduate programs patronized by well over 10,000 students. The trustees’ letter pronounced that the institution moreover employs some 2,500 people while serving as an economic driver for the nearby town of Hempstead and the larger New York metropolitan area.

Las Vegas Sands Corporation unveiled its plan to bring a five-star casino resort to eastern Long Island in January after the New York State Gaming Commission launched the application process for a trio of ‘downstate’ gaming licenses. The operator stated at the time that it intends to work with local communities so as to ensure its finished development ‘maximizes economic opportunities, helps to build stronger communities and protects the quality of life for all Long Islanders’.

“Our company’s track record of driving significant economic benefits to the communities in which we operate and the meaningful relationships and partnerships we have created in each of those communities gives us a unique perspective on what it takes to develop transformative tourism destinations that positively impact the local community,” the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Robert Goldstein, said. “Based on that experience, we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments.”