Suffolk OTB proposes casino at site of Brookhaven Movie Theater for second time

The Suffolk OTB has filed paperwork for an environmental impact study for a 160,000-square-foot video lottery gaming facility in Medford.

News 12 Staff

Nov 27, 2019, 10:20 PM

Updated 1,603 days ago

Share:

The Suffolk OTB has filed paperwork for an environmental impact study for a 160,000-square-foot video lottery gaming facility in Medford.
This is the second time the organization has proposed putting a casino on the 30-acre site just off the Long Island Expressway, which was once the site of the Brookhaven Movie Theater. The first attempt was scrapped in 2016 amid harsh community opposition.
Suffolk OTB spokesman John Schneider says that the organization has seen the success of Jake's 58 betting parlor in Islandia and wants to meet the demand for more lottery machines.
He says the environmental impact study is the next step, regardless if the Suffolk OTB decides to develop or sell the property.
Brett Houdek, the president of the Medford Civic Association, claims they won the same game against Suffolk OTB last time and will do it again.
Houdek says the casino wouldn't serve the community and burdens it with taxes and fire needs.
Suffolk OTB is a government agency, meaning it wouldn't have to pay property taxes. The DEC has scheduled a public hearing on the proposal for Dec. 9 at the Ramada Hotel in Holtsville.
 


More from News 12
2:00
Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

Police: Man’s wallet blocks bullet during Coram shooting; suspect wanted

1:31
Cloudy skies, breezy conditions and rain on Long Island

Cloudy skies, breezy conditions and rain on Long Island

0:44
NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

NuHealth holds breast cancer screenings at Plainview-Old Bethpage Library

0:49
Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

Suffolk Sheriff’s Office holds 1st wellness conference at Suffolk Community College

0:13
Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

Police probe shooting incident at Patchogue home

1:55
Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

Police: Drunk driver hits patrol car at scene of DWI crash; Suffolk officer hurt

0:23
West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

West Islip man sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years for stealing millions from Williston Park school

0:25
Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

Police: Man threw cellphone, injured officer responding to disturbance on road in Valley Stream

0:19
Police: Suspect wanted for shooting at car in Riverhead

Police: Suspect wanted for shooting at car in Riverhead

1:09
The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

The East End: Hamptons Handpoured

2:06
Dozens of layoffs could be coming to Hicksville School District

Dozens of layoffs could be coming to Hicksville School District

1:45
Great Neck Plaza residents concerned about residential complex proposal

Great Neck Plaza residents concerned about residential complex proposal

1:52
Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

Find fun, interactive activities for family and friends at Main Street Board Game Café in Huntington

1:40
Hungry students left with few options as eateries at Nassau Community College suddenly shut down

Hungry students left with few options as eateries at Nassau Community College suddenly shut down

2:08
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer appears in court; judge works to set trial date

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer appears in court; judge works to set trial date

0:37
North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

North Babylon HS gives away dresses, suits ahead of prom season

0:22
Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

Central Islip man sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping daughter

1:45
Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

Long Island pizzerias come together to raise funds for family of slain detective

0:30
Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

Hempstead man pleads guilty, gets 8 years for drug trafficking

0:19
Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex

Nassau Legislature approves 2 new outdoor fields for Mitchel Athletic Complex