The landscape of downstate New York may soon undergo significant changes with the introduction of three new casino facilities. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has set a bid deadline for these casinos to June 27, 2025, marking a definitive step forward in the state's expansion into gaming.
However, this decision is poised to face a potential legislative override. A bill, which is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, proposes an accelerated deadline of August 31, 2024. Known as S9673A and authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, the bill has garnered approval from both the house and senate, passing through in early June.
The board has articulated its concerns about adhering to the timeline dictated by the bill, emphasizing the impracticality of such an accelerated deadline. Vicki Been, a member of the board, pointed out the logistical challenges, stating, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The board underscored this apprehension, noting, “Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable.”
The Zoning Challenge
One of the primary hurdles for the bidding process involves securing the necessary zoning approvals and completing environmental impact studies. For instance, the proposals from Bally’s Corporation in the Bronx and Steve Cohen’s venture in Queens require rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. These complex procedural requirements must be addressed before any bids can be reviewed, adding to the board's concerns about the proposed timeline.
Competitive Landscape
Despite these challenges, there is no shortage of interest in developing casino facilities in downstate New York, with 11 bidders currently competing. These proposals aim not just to introduce casino gaming but also to boost local economies through additional developments such as resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements.
The list of proposals includes:
- 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, with the operator to be determined, in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
Balancing Legislation and Logistics
The tension between the legislative aspirations and the logistical realities is palpable. The Gaming Facility Location Board has emphasized that obtaining the necessary bids by the proposed new deadline should not undermine their overarching objective of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been added during a recent meeting.
The outcome of this legislative and administrative tug-of-war will have far-reaching implications for the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York. With prime locations such as Times Square, Brooklyn, and Queens in the mix, the introduction of these casino facilities could significantly reshape these iconic areas, bringing in gaming and broader development projects. The ambition to blend commercial and tribal operations with large-scale residential and neighborhood advancements underscores the multifaceted vision for these proposals.
As both sides await Governor Hochul's decision, the future of downstate New York's gaming industry hangs in the balance. The resolution of this timeline conflict will not only determine the pace at which development proceeds but also shape the strategic direction for gaming and associated developments in some of the state's most high-profile areas.