The landscape of downstate New York may soon see a transformative shift with the potential introduction of three major casino facilities. This news comes on the heels of a pivotal decision by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board, which has set a new bid deadline for June 27, 2025.
However, this timeline is under scrutiny, as Senator Joe Addabbo’s bill, known as S9673A, could impose an accelerated timetable. The bill, awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature, stipulates a submission deadline by August 31, 2024, potentially overriding the board's decision. This expedited timeline has sparked debates, reflecting the intersection of political ambitions and logistical challenges.
An Ambitious Timeline
The board's decision seems to be grounded in practicality and due process, recognizing the necessity of having all 'entitlements and zoning' approved before reviewing any bids. Environmental impact studies and zoning changes are pivotal steps, particularly for proposals like the Bally’s Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Queens, both of which require rezoning from their current parkland designations.
Vicki Been of the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board emphasized the impracticality of a hastened deadline, saying, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The board echoed this sentiment, suggesting that enforcing such a rapid submission date could impede their ability to thoroughly review bids. “Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable,” they stated.
Diverse Proposals
Among the 11 bidders vying to develop these coveted casino locations are significant names in both commercial and tribal gaming sectors, all proposing a mix of casino facilities, resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements. Notable proposals include:
- Avenir by Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point by Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan.
- The Coney Project by Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park by Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens.
- MGM Empire City by MGM Resorts International in Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City by Genting Group in Queens.
- Sands New York by Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue by Hudson’s Bay Company, with the operator to be determined, in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City by Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
These ambitious projects promise to reshape not only the gaming industry but also the broader economic and entertainment landscape of downstate New York. Bringing such developments to some of the state’s most iconic areas could catalyze significant regional growth and urban revitalization.
Potential Conflicts and Optimism
The board members acknowledged the potential conflict between their extended timeline and the stipulations of the bill during their meeting on Thursday. Yet, they remain hopeful that the proposed timeline will not derail the overarching goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” shared Vicki Been, underscoring a desire for pragmatic decision-making.
The clock is ticking, and all eyes are now on Governor Hochul's desk. Whether she will sign off on the bill, forcing a quicker turnaround, or support the board’s more measured approach remains to be seen. Either way, the imminent decisions hold the power to reshape the future of casino gaming and its associated developments in the region.
As the deadline approaches, the stakes for downstate New Yorkers couldn't be higher. Each bid carries the promise of new opportunities and the potential to infuse dynamic growth into the state's economy, making this an issue that transcends gaming and touches the heart of urban development and community enhancement.