The landscape of downstate New York is poised for transformation with the proposed introduction of three new casino facilities, a development that has sparked considerable excitement and debate. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board recently announced a critical decision to extend the bid deadline for these casinos to June 27, 2025. This decision now faces a potential override from pending legislation.
Legislation vs. Board Timeline
A bill, authored by Senator Joe Addabbo and poised for Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature, proposes a significantly earlier deadline of August 31, 2024, for the submission of bids. Should this bill, known as S9673A, be signed into law, it would supersede the Location Board’s timeline, pushing bidders to finalize their proposals by the end of summer 2024.
The bill quickly navigated through both the house and senate in early June, demonstrating strong legislative support. Yet, this expedited timeline has raised concerns among the Facility Location Board members. They fear the pace dictated by the bill might not align with the comprehensive planning and approval processes necessary for such massive projects.
Comprehensive Approvals Needed
"Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical," stated Vicki Been, reflecting the board's apprehension. The board underscored that bids cannot move forward until all 'entitlements and zoning' are approved, a process involving extensive environmental impact studies and zoning changes.
Notably, proposals such as Bally’s Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Queens projects would require rezoning their parkland designations to accommodate the new casino facilities. This rezoning, along with thorough environmental approvals, are significant hurdles that must be cleared before any bids can be meaningfully reviewed.
A Competitive Field of Proposals
Despite these challenges, there is no shortage of interest in developing casino facilities in downstate New York. A total of 11 bidders are currently competing to bring their visions to life in prime locations from Times Square to Brooklyn. These proposals are not merely about casinos; they include integrated plans for resorts, housing units, and extensive neighborhood improvements.
The expansive array of proposals highlight the mix of commercial and tribal operators vying for a chance to reshape New York’s entertainment landscape:
- Avenir: Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square: Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan.
- Coney Project: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza: Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park: Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International in Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City: Genting Group in Queens.
- Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Hudson’s Bay Company, operator to be determined, in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
Board’s Stance and Optimism
During a recent meeting, the board members acknowledged the potential conflict between their planned deadline and the new legislative stipulation. They reiterated their view that the proposed August 2024 deadline is "unreasonable," citing the extensive requirements for zoning and environmental approvals as major factors. "The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor," Vicki Been expressed, underscoring the board's position.
Despite these concerns, the board remains optimistic that the revised bid timeline will not derail the ultimate goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. The timeline adjustment is seen as a pragmatic approach to ensuring that all necessary procedural hurdles are adequately addressed without compromising the integrity of the bidding process.
The outcome of this legislative and procedural tussle holds significant implications for downstate New York. The successful introduction of these casino facilities promises to reshape the region’s entertainment and economic landscape, embedding gaming—and potentially broader development projects—into some of the state’s most iconic areas. As the deadline approaches, the stakes continue to rise for all parties involved, maintaining a high level of intrigue and anticipation.