A former popular store in Westbury has been chosen to possibly be the location for a gambling hall in Nassau County.
Negotiations are currently underway between Nassau Off Track Betting and the parties with an interest in the old Fortunoff building on Old County Road. Nassau OTB plans on using the building for its new video lottery terminal.
Officials say up to 1,000 high-tech video slot games will be featured in what used to be Fortunoff's jewelry and housewares departments. They say the large parking lot is one of the reasons the location was chosen.
Other parts of the building would be used for restaurants and a food court.
The Nassau OTB says the Fortunoff's site was chosen after numerous submissions were provided to the selection committee and extensive considerations were given to each and every site offered.
A mobilized community group has been formed by residents who want to put a stop to the planned casino parlor. They say that gaming operations will have detrimental effects on their community.
News 12 Long Island contacted the Nassau OTB for a response to residents' concerns, but has not yet heard back. A public meeting on the possible casino is scheduled for Jan.16 at Saint Brigid's in Westbury.
Suffolk OTB plans on building a similar facility off the LIE at Exit 64 in Medford.