The leadership of New York City under Mayor Eric Adams has presented a plan to overhaul the city’s zoning ordinances, seeking to clear the path for additional gambling establishments. This unfolds as the competition for three highly sought-after casino permits in downstate New York intensifies.
Adams’ plan represents a daring attempt to establish New York City as a significant contender in the realm of gaming. The city’s existing zoning regulations currently pose a substantial obstacle to constructing new casinos. The suggested modifications would unlock numerous areas within the city for potential casino construction, encompassing zones presently designated for industrial use and various commercial districts. Furthermore, the scope extends beyond compact casinos to encompass potentially expansive complexes incorporating dining, lodging, and entertainment facilities, all within a single development.
Municipal authorities contend that these alterations are essential to attract investors and provide New York City with a competitive edge against other localities vying for these profitable casino licenses. They aim to establish equitable conditions for all participants, particularly given that New York City, with its vast population and allure for tourists, is regarded as a prime spot for a casino.
While numerous developers have set their sights on the Big Apple, one noteworthy proposition targets a location just beyond the city’s boundaries: the Nassau Coliseum site on Long Island. Established casinos, such as Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct Racetrack and Empire City Casino in Yonkers, are also deemed strong contenders due to their existing presence in the gaming landscape.
Naturally, these proposed zoning modifications still face a considerable journey. They must undergo the city’s comprehensive land-use evaluation procedure, which entails securing consent from various neighborhood councils, borough executives, and ultimately, the City Council and the Mayor. If endorsed, the chosen casino ventures would be exempt from the customary protracted and costly review process, potentially expediting their development.
Prior to the New York State Gaming Commission issuing a casino license, a project must first gain the support of a local community advisory group. This group, with a two-thirds majority membership, is responsible for integrating community input into the procedure. This level of localized feedback could possibly impede proposals encountering substantial local resistance, such as the one suggested for Coney Island.
Nevertheless, certain critics, including Layla Law-Gisiko from Manhattan’s Community Board 5, have voiced worries about the proposal’s ambiguity. They contend that it might conflict with current zoning ordinances and lacks the detailed information present in earlier modifications. Law-Gisiko desires to witness significant alterations during the evaluation phase to rectify these concerns.
