Downstate New York is on the cusp of a transformative shift, as three new casino facilities are poised to be introduced, bringing with them a wave of development and economic potential. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has set a new bid deadline for these casino projects: June 27, 2025. However, a bill currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision may accelerate this timeline significantly.
The potential legislation, crafted by Senator Joe Addabbo and known as S9673A, proposes a deadline of August 31, 2024, for bidders to submit their proposals. This bill had already cleared both legislative houses by early June. If signed into law, it would override the Facility Location Board’s current deadline, compressing the timeline by nearly a year. "Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical," noted board member Vicki Been, highlighting the ambitious nature of this legislative push.
Complex Conditions and Concerns
The Location Board has expressed concern over the new timeline stipulations of S9673A. "Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable," they stated. This highlights the hurdles that must be cleared before a proposal can even be considered. Essential processes like environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes are prerequisites that cannot be bypassed.
For example, proposals like Bally’s Bronx project and Steve Cohen’s endeavor in Queens require rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. And these are just two of the 11 bidders competing for prime locations stretching from Times Square to Brooklyn. Thus, the location board’s caution resonates with the realities of large-scale urban development projects.
Diverse Proposals Across Iconic Locations
The array of proposals presents a diverse lineup featuring both commercial and tribal operators. Among these, high-profile plans such as the Caesars Palace Times Square, envisioned by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation, stand out. Other prominent bids include:
- Avenir: Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx
- 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 in Manhattan
- Wynn New York City: Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan
Balancing Urgency and Realism
During a recent meeting, board members acknowledged the tension between their June 2025 deadline and the accelerated timeline proposed by S9673A. The board remains optimistic, however, that the extended deadline won't impede the ultimate goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. Vicki Been expressed hope: "The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor."
Clearly, the outcome of this legislative and administrative dance will profoundly impact the economic and entertainment landscapes of downstate New York. The area stands on the brink of an influx of gaming facilities, resorts, housing units, and community improvements that promise to redefine some of the state’s most iconic areas. The board and legislators must navigate a careful course, balancing political aspirations with the practicalities of large-scale urban development.