Opposition Grows Against Las Vegas Sands’ Casino Project

A plan by Las Vegas Sands (LVS) to develop a sprawling casino and hotel at Nassau Coliseum has sparked fierce opposition from local residents and environmental activists. With fears of irreversible environmental damage and negative impacts on community welfare, the debate over the proposed Sands-operated casino has taken center stage in Nassau County. The project is undergoing an extensive environmental review, as required under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), but anti-casino groups remain resolute in their resistance.

 

Environmental Impact Study: The First Hurdle

In compliance with SEQRA, the Sands New York Integrated Resort project must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will thoroughly evaluate potential risks to the local environment and propose mitigations where necessary. The EIS process ensures transparency and public involvement, allowing concerned citizens to voice their opinions and provide input on the project.

John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, expressed optimism about the review process. Durso, an influential figure in local labor circles, highlighted the importance of the EIS in dispelling rumors and misconceptions about the casino's impact. “We’re an island. We have no choice; we have to be concerned about our environment. I am absolutely thrilled about this process because it will put to bed all the rumors and tell people exactly what the facts are,” Durso told Newsday. He believes that a comprehensive study will move the project forward and address concerns regarding environmental and social consequences.

 

Community Fears: Environmental Risks and Social Fallout

Despite assurances from Durso and county officials, many residents and environmental groups remain skeptical. They argue that the casino project presents unmitigable risks to Long Island’s delicate ecosystem and would exacerbate existing environmental issues. In a public forum held this week, several local groups voiced their concerns, underscoring potential hazards such as:

• Air pollution: Increased traffic and construction emissions could degrade air quality in a region already grappling with pollution.
• Traffic volume: The casino’s 24/7 operations are expected to bring an additional 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles per day, raising fears of chronic congestion.
• Water quality: Long Island's drinking water supply is already threatened by over-pumping and climate change. Building a $4 billion casino and hotel could aggravate these problems by increasing water demand and runoff pollution.
• Public health: Traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution are likely to have long-term health consequences, particularly in surrounding minority communities.

For many locals, these issues make the project untenable. “The abounding harmful impacts of this massive casino are clearly unmitigable,” one anti-casino group argued. “The SEQRA process should not only have been completed prior to entering into any lease with Las Vegas Sands but also should have included the impacts of the $4B NYU Langone proposal at Nassau Community College.”

 

Concerns Over Fast-Tracking the Review

The debate over whether the review process should be fast-tracked has heightened tensions. LVS’s eligibility to bid on downstate casino permits hinges on a timely completion of the SEQRA review, adding pressure to local officials to expedite the process. However, opponents argue that a rushed review would fail to thoroughly address the community's concerns and could lead to long-term harm.

“The casino’s operating hours are typically 24 hours, seven days a week, which would increase vehicle traffic by 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles per day,” said Uniondale resident Pearl Jacobs. “This project would also contribute to other environmental issues: light pollution and noise pollution.”

Opponents of the project point to the disparity between political rhetoric and reality. A local community group recently issued a scathing rebuke to politicians backing the casino project. “We find it ironic that the same politicians who claim to want to ‘Save Our Suburbs’ are among the loudest voices in favor of forcing the country’s second-largest casino and the boundless long-term negative environmental, economic, and social consequences into our community. The brunt of the impact would be shouldered by the vulnerable minority communities that surround the HUB,” they said.

 

“The abounding harmful impacts of this massive casino are clearly unmitigable.”

 

The Future

As Nassau County officials begin the environmental review process, the outcome will be pivotal in determining whether Las Vegas Sands’ casino project moves forward. While proponents like Durso believe that a comprehensive study will provide clarity and help the project gain acceptance, opposition remains fierce.

For many residents, the potential environmental damage, coupled with the strain on public resources and infrastructure, outweighs any economic benefits that the casino might bring. With the SEQRA review expected to take months, if not years, the fate of the Sands New York Integrated Resort project hangs in the balance.

The ultimate question is whether Nassau County will prioritize rapid economic development over long-term environmental sustainability—a choice that will shape the future of Long Island for generations to come.