The landscape of downstate New York is poised for a seismic shift, as the potential introduction of three new casino facilities could dramatically transform the region. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has set a new bid deadline for these casinos to June 27, 2025. However, a bill awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature could upend that timeline.
The Bill and the Conflict
Senator Joe Addabbo authored the bill, known as S9673A, which mandates that bidders submit their proposals by August 31, 2024. The bill had already passed through both the House and Senate in early June and now awaits the governor's decision. If signed into law, it would override the facility location board’s set deadline.
The board members expressed their concerns regarding the ambitious timeline stipulated by S9673A. Environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes are preconditions for bid reviews, making the accelerated deadline potentially problematic. “Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable,” they noted.
Proposals and Ambitious Plans
Despite the looming deadlines, bidders have lined up with a slew of grandiose proposals that promise not just gaming facilities but a transformation of the surrounding areas. The proposals span various prime locations, from Times Square to Brooklyn, each aiming to marry casino facilities with broader development projects like resorts, housing units, and local neighborhood improvements.
Among the notable proposals:
- 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.
Board's Concerns and Optimism
The facility location board has been vocal about its concerns. Vicki Been, a prominent figure within the board, remarked, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.” The board is worried that the stipulations of S9673A might impose an unrealistic timeline, potentially hampering the detailed review process required for such significant developments.
However, the board remains optimistic. They believe that obtaining bids by the new deadline may not hinder their overarching goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Been added.
Rezoning Challenges
Rezoning issues present another layer of complexity. The Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal both require a change in zoning from parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. Until these zoning changes and necessary environmental impact studies are completed, bids cannot be thoroughly reviewed. These prerequisites underscore the board's apprehension about meeting an accelerated timeline.
Implications for the Region
The outcome of this bid process could significantly reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York. With 11 bidders competing, the competition is fierce. High-profile areas — from Manhattan's iconic streets to the shores of Brooklyn — could see transformative projects that extend beyond mere gaming facilities. These developments promise resorts, housing units, and neighborhood enhancements, aiming to integrate seamlessly into these bustling urban landscapes.
As the clock ticks down to the new bid deadlines, all eyes will be on Governor Hochul’s decision. Will she sign S9673A, setting an earlier deadline, or adhere to the facility location board’s later date? The stakes are high, and the decisions made in the coming months could shape the future of New York’s downstate region for decades to come.