Appeals Court Stays Ruling To Block Nassau Hub Casino Lease
UNIONDALE, NY — Plans for the Nassau Hub casino have hit the pause button.
The State Supreme Court Appellate Court issued a stay on Friday evening to a ruling this week where a state judge annulled the county's approval of a 99-year lease for Las Vegas Sands to construct a high-end hotel and casino.
The initial decision came from a lawsuit brought by Hofstra University, located adjacent to the proposed $4 billion casino property.
The appellate judge set a date for Nov. 21 in Brooklyn for representatives from Hofstra to "show cause before this court why an order should not be made."
If the ruling is upheld by the lower court, the county will need to start over with legislative hearings.
"For far too long the Coliseum site known as The Hub has been languishing in a twilight zone of inaction. We are grateful that the Appellate Division granted a stay of the lower court’s decision, and we’re confident the lower court’s ruling will be overturned," County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement.
Patch attempted to reach Las Vegas Sands for comment.
Hofstra filed the lawsuit in April, claiming county planning officials and lawmakers failed to provide sufficient notice for public meetings and environmental review ahead of the vote, the New York Post reported.
Critics of the casino cite increased traffic and crime surrounding the casino. Other factors include decreased property values and potential negative impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
"We are grateful that Hofstra University was among those paying close attention to the land disposition process and took legal action," said Allison O’Brien Silva of the "Say No" group.
It comes after Mets owner Steve Cohen announced plans for a $8 billion casino/entertainment complex next to Citi Field, operated by Hard Rock International, ABC7 said.
"I will continue to stand for the proposal by the Sands to develop a world-class luxury hotel, spa, entertainment center, and casino, which will bring $5 billion dollars in construction, good-paying permanent jobs and tax relief for our residents," Blakeman added.
