The introduction of three new casino facilities is set to potentially redefine the landscape of downstate New York, a prospect that brings both excitement and controversy to the area. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board's latest move to establish a new bid deadline of June 27, 2025, serves as a pivotal moment in this evolving story.
Legislation Complicates the Timeline
Currently resting on Governor Kathy Hochul's desk is a bill that could upset the carefully set plans of the Gaming Facility Location Board. Authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, the bill, identified as S9673A, mandates that bids must be submitted by August 31, 2024, cutting the timeline significantly shorter than the board's June 2025 deadline.
The legislation had already garnered approval in both the house and senate by early June, and its swift passage brought to light the potential for a head-on clash with the board's decision. The facility location board has expressed its reservations regarding this accelerated timeline. "Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable," stated the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
Underlying Challenges
Before any proposal can be reviewed, crucial prerequisites such as environmental impact studies and zoning adjustments must be completed. A prime example of such hurdles is observed in the Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal, both of which necessitate rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate the planned casino facilities.
With as many as 11 bidders vying for prime locations, ranging from Times Square to Brooklyn, the stakes are markedly high. These projects tout not just casino facilities but also envision sprawling resorts, housing units, and enhanced neighborhood improvements, effectively bringing a wealth of opportunities and transformations. The competitive roster includes a blend of commercial giants and tribal operators, each looking to leave their mark on New York’s gaming scenery.
Key Proposals on the Table
The array of proposals remains varied and numerous:
- 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.
Voices of Concern
Board members have recognized the potential conflict between their extended deadline and the looming stipulations of S9673A. Vicki Been highlighted a shared sentiment among the board members: “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The rush imposed by the bill could thwart thorough reviews and careful planning, jeopardizing the meticulous processes required for such massive undertakings.
Despite these complications, the board remains optimistic. They believe that adhering to the June 2025 deadline will ultimately align with the overarching goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” remarked Been, emphasizing their stance on maintaining a realistic and achievable timeline.
The outcome of this legislative tug-of-war could significantly reshape downstate New York's entertainment and economic landscape. Should these casino projects come to fruition, they promise to infuse some of the state’s most iconic areas with a new wave of development and opportunity, blending gaming with broader communal advancements.