Nassau Coliseum: Casino Debate Rages, Awaits Sands Replacement

"The future of the Nassau Coliseum site is being debated at Hempstead Town Hall, as the town board held a public hearing on a proposed zoning change that could pave the way for major redevelopment—including the potential return of the controversial casino plan," reported News 12 LI.

"Las Vegas Sands executives have yet to finalize a deal with a new company to take over their proposal to build a casino-resort at the Nassau Coliseum site, even as they seek more land-use approvals and the deadline to apply for a state gaming license is approaching," reported Newsday.

"These discussions are still ongoing and the company is hopeful that a deal can still be reached," Daniel Baker, an attorney representing Sands, said Tuesday at a Town of Hempstead zoning board hearing. "However, the company also recognizes that there is little time left before applications are due to the state on June 27 and it may not be possible."

Relatedly, "the cost to build a casino-resort at the Nassau Coliseum site rose to $7.6 billion, according to a recently released final environmental impact statement, nearly doubling the original $4 billion price tag from when Las Vegas Sands pitched the project to county officials more than two years ago," reported Newsday.