The landscape of downstate New York is on the verge of potentially transformative changes with the introduction of three new casino facilities. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has been at the heart of this development, recently deciding to set a new bid deadline for these casinos to June 27, 2025. However, a bill awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature could alter this timeline significantly.
The bill, spearheaded by Senator Joe Addabbo and known as S9673A, has set an ambitious deadline of August 31, 2024, for bid submissions. Having passed through both the house and senate in early June, this legislation, if signed, would override the location board’s decision, advancing the bid deadline by almost a year. The facility location board has voiced reservations about this accelerated timeline, citing practical concerns.
Concerns Over the Ambitious Timeline
“Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical,” remarked Vicki Been, reflecting the sentiment among board members. The board has underscored that bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, which makes the current timeline appear unreasonable. Environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes are preconditions for bid reviews, adding another layer of complexity to the expedited schedule proposed by S9673A.
The Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal are prime examples of projects needing rezoning from parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. This prerequisite highlights the intricate process involved before any bid can be officially reviewed.
Array of Proposals
There are 11 bidders vying to develop casinos in several of New York’s prime locations, spanning from Times Square to Brooklyn. These proposals are not limited to gaming facilities but also feature resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements, showcasing a blend of commercial and tribal operators. The diversity of locations and operators reveals a broad spectrum of visions for downstate New York's future.
- Avenir: Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square: Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan.
- Coney Project: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza: Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park: Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International in Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City: Genting Group in Queens.
- Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: Hudson’s Bay Company, with the operator to be determined, in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
Challenges and Optimism
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has acknowledged the potential conflict between their established deadline and the bill’s stipulations. During a recent meeting, board members remained optimistic despite the apparent discord. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been expressed, suggesting that the board’s perspective would provide a valuable context for Governor Hochul’s upcoming decision.
With bidders poised to present their proposals, the board aims to issue licenses by the end of 2025. Should this goal remain unhampered, the potential impact promises to reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York profoundly. Integrating casinos, resorts, and other community enhancements into some of the state’s most iconic areas could usher in a new era of development and excitement for residents and visitors alike.
The anticipated transformation brings a mix of innovation and heritage, with both commercial and tribal operators aiming to leave their mark. As these proposals advance through regulatory and planning stages, the unfolding narrative promises to capture the attention of stakeholders and the public, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in New York’s development.