No dice!
A state judge invalidated the Nassau County government’s approval of a 99-year lease that allowed Sands to build a $4 billion casino complex on the Nassau Coliseum site.
The judge ruled that officials short-circuited open meetings and environmental laws before voting.
The lease is now void and Nassau County planning officials must begin new hearings with the county legislature and vote again on whether they want to approve it.
The decision issued Thursday by Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor is a major victory for Hofstra University, a plaintiff in the case whose campus is located next to the coliseum and opposes the casino plan.
Hofstra filed the lawsuit in April, alleging that planning officials and county lawmakers did not give sufficient notice to public meetings and environmental review that preceded the votes in the spring.
“We appreciate the court’s thoughtful ruling and award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to Hofstra incurred in connection with several of the claims,” said Hofstra U. President Susan Poser.
“The court recognized the right of the public to participate in decision-making regarding the current Nassau Hub redevelopment plan. “We look forward to contributing to the planning process and advocating for the use of the Center in a way that best contributes to our thriving community, while protecting against environmental and other harm,” the Hofstra chief said.
The bombshell comes just days after Mets owner Steve Cohen revealed his bid to erect an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field as part of a renamed Metropolitan Park.
Many of the largest gaming operators are competing to win one of three coveted state licenses to operate a casino in the New York City metropolitan area, including Long Island and the northern suburbs.
“Defendants violated both the Open Meetings Act and SEQRA.” [State Environmental Quality Review Act] approve the transfer of the lease,” Kapoor, a 2004 Hofstra Law School graduate, said in her 32-page opinion.
Nassau County had no official comment immediately.
But Sands, in a statement, said he would not be deterred by the ruling.
“Las Vegas Sands is proudly and excitedly moving forward with our proposal for an integrated resort and entertainment center at Nassau Hub. “We are grateful for the wonderful response we have received from the Long Island community and will continue our comprehensive outreach as we deliver this transformative project,” the company said.
