Las Vegas Sands to build multibillion-dollar casino and entertainment complex on former Nassau Coliseum site

Uniondale, New York — A Las Vegas-based casino and resort giant wants to bring gambling and a multibillion-dollar entertainment complex to the undeveloped area around the Nassau Coliseum.

There were other doomed businesses on the site, but some gave this one a chance.

Las Vegas Sands, one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, has big plans for the Nassau Hub to transform the 72 acres surrounding the arena.

“Hotel rooms, tourist attractions, things that the local community can engage with, have access to, whether it’s a restaurant,” said Ron Reese, Sands senior vice president.

The company entered into an agreement with the site developer to lease all the land in the county and applied for one of three downstream New York Establish gaming licenses for casino and hotel destinations.

Former Gov. David Paterson is putting forward the proposal.

“Tax revenues and quality of life are improving and, of course, entertainment options are growing exponentially,” said Patterson, now a Sands senior vice president.

After years of doomed proposals — the lighthouse project was deemed too big — the project is more likely to be approved, in part because the $4 billion investment will be privately funded.

“Big is better, and busy is better. It means more income, more money, more opportunity, more growth,” said Sam Dickerson, a union valley merchant.

Opponents have called it inappropriate, sandwiched between universities.

“Casinos tend not to be good for our communities in the long run. It creates a lot of crime,” said Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association.

“Obviously, it ends up being lower taxes for people who live here, and that creates not just jobs, but careers,” Patterson said.

The company has not yet decided whether the project will go ahead without a casino license, but has vowed to work with the community. The fate of the stadium has yet to be decided, but plans include a music venue.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman Said he was open to an exciting and interesting proposal, but the support of the community was essential.

“It had to be class-leading, exciting, primarily an entertainment center and hospitality venue, not just a casino,” Blackman said. “Architecturally pleasing, preferably spectacular, with open spaces .”

One thing is for sure, Blackman said.Valuable Property in the Heartland Nassau County will not remain empty.

Caroline Gusoff

Carolyn Gusoff covers some of the most high-profile news stories in the New York City area and is known for being a trusted, tough, consistent and caring voice on Long Island issues.