Downstate New York is on the brink of significant transformation with the potential introduction of three new casino facilities, a development that promises to reshape the region's entertainment and economic landscape. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board recently announced a new bid deadline set for June 27, 2025. However, this timeline could face a significant overhaul.
A Clash of Deadlines
A bill carrying an earlier deadline of August 31, 2024, currently awaits the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul. Should Governor Hochul endorse the legislation, it would override the board’s decision and accelerate the bidding process by nearly a year. The bill, S9673A, authored by Senator Joe Addabbo, successfully passed through both the house and senate in early June, signaling its broad legislative support.
The gaming facility location board has expressed reservations about the expedited timeline mandated by the bill. "Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical,” remarked Vicki Been, emphasizing the logistical challenges posed by such an accelerated schedule. The board has made it clear that bids cannot proceed until all entitlements and zoning approvals are secured. Environmental impact studies and requisite zoning changes form critical preconditions.
Competitive Landscape
The race to secure a casino license has attracted a diverse group of 11 bidders, each eyeing prime locations across New York. From Times Square to Brooklyn, the proposals range from entertainment complexes to comprehensive neighborhood revitalizations. The array of submissions features collaborations between commercial and tribal operators.
Among the prominent bids are:
- 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.
Rezoning Challenges
Some proposals face specific hurdles that must be addressed. The Bally’s Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposals, for instance, require rezoning from their current parkland designations to accommodate casino developments. These zoning changes, along with environmental impact assessments, must be realized before bids can be reviewed.
Reflecting the board’s concerns, a representative noted, "Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable.” Balancing these logistical parameters is crucial to maintaining a viable proposal timeline.
Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, the board remains optimistic about meeting the new deadline and advancing the licensing process by year’s end in 2025. The potential introduction of casino facilities is expected to generate substantial economic activity and employment opportunities across downstate New York.
With each proposal offering a unique vision, the competition is bound to be fierce. Yet, it’s not just about gaming; many bids include resort facilities, housing units, and broader neighborhood enhancements, promising to contribute comprehensively to community development.
As stakeholders anticipate Governor Hochul’s decision, the board’s stance aims to offer pragmatic reasoning amidst legislative ambitions. "The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Been stated, underscoring the board’s commitment to a feasible and effective bidding process.
Whatever the final timeline, one thing is certain: the evolution of downstate New York’s casino landscape is set to be a defining chapter in its economic and social development.