Some concerned, some excited at prospect of casino coming to Nassau Coliseum

Nassau officials announced Wednesday that the county has reached a new lease agreement with Las Vegas Sands for the site.

News 12 Staff

Apr 26, 2023, 9:52 PM

Updated 591 days ago

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Residents opposed to potential casino at the Nassau Coliseum say there is still a long road ahead before a casino can be built in their community.
Deirdre Benoit, a member of the Say No to the Casino civic association, says she was disappointed by the county's announcement. She says they don't oppose the prospect of something being built by the Nassau Hub but say they don't want a casino.
"Our families and the generations to come are going to have to live with what this impact - negative impact - is on our environment," Benoit says.
A total of 2,300 people have signed the civic association's petition. They say the number is growing.
Others, however, are excited about the prospect of a casino nearby.
"Very good idea because of more jobs," says Cadette Mentor, of East Meadow.
The deal could also bring new opportunities to Nassau Community College. The school has been asked to be a training facility for Las Vegas Sands, which school officials say would be beneficial for their students.
Dr. Jerry Kornbluth, vice president for community and governmental relations for Nassau Community College, says it is a way to keep people on Long Island.
"We need that economic stimulus, we need that push," Kornbluth says. "You've got all the labor unions on board. That's important That's all the jobs."
The Say No to the Casino civic association plans on holding a rally as the date for the license vote gets closer.