The landscape of downstate New York may soon undergo significant changes with the potential addition of three new casino facilities. This development, if realized, could reshape the entertainment and economic dynamics of one of the most iconic regions in the United States.
New Bid Deadline Set
In a pivotal move, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has set a new bid deadline for these casino projects to June 27, 2025. This decision could help the board ensure that proper procedures are in place before proposals are reviewed. Notably, bids cannot be scrutinized until all entitlements and zoning approvals are completed, a condition that underscores the complexity of this ambitious endeavor.
Legislative Push for Accelerated Timeline
However, a legislative push aims to accelerate this timeline. A bill featuring an August 31, 2024, deadline is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature. If enacted, this legislation would override the board’s decision and require bidders to submit their proposals by the end of summer 2024. The bill, authored by Senator Joe Addabbo and known as S9673A, has already cleared both the house and senate, passing through in early June.
Despite the legislative momentum, the facility location board has expressed its concerns about the accelerated timeline dictated by the bill. "Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical," remarked Vicki Been, underscoring the board’s stance. The board believes that the current deadline is prudent given the need for comprehensive reviews and approvals. "Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable," emphasized the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board.
Environmental and Zoning Challenges
One of the significant challenges facing potential bidders involves environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes. For instance, both the Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal require rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate casino facilities. This is a meticulous process that demands considerable time and effort, further validating the board's concerns regarding the feasibility of an expedited timeline.
Array of Proposals
Currently, there are 11 bidders vying to develop casinos in various prime locations, ranging from Times Square to Brooklyn. These proposals include not only casino facilities but also resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements. A mix of commercial and tribal operators are competing for these valuable licenses.
- 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.
During their recent meeting, the board members acknowledged the potential conflict between their planned deadline and the stipulations of S9673A. However, they remain optimistic that obtaining bids by the new deadline will 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.
The final decision on the deadline—and, by extension, the future of these transformative casino projects—rests with Governor Hochul. Should the earlier deadline be imposed, it could expedite the process but also increase pressure on bidders to meet stringent requirements within a truncated timeline. The outcome of this legislative and administrative tug-of-war will be pivotal in shaping the entertainment and economic future of downstate New York, potentially cementing its status as a premier destination for gaming and broader development projects.