Downstate New York is on the verge of a major transformation with the potential introduction of three new casino facilities, as the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board set a bid deadline for June 27, 2025. Yet, this timeline might see alterations with a bill awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature, pushing the submission date earlier to August 31, 2024.
Senator Joe Addabbo, the architect behind bill S9673A, successfully navigated it through both the house and the senate in early June. If Governor Hochul endorses the bill, the expedited timeline would override the facility location board’s current deadline decision. This shift has sparked apprehensions among the board members about the feasibility of the ambitious timeline laid out in the bill.
Concerns Over Tight Deadlines
The facility location board has been vocal about the challenges the new deadline presents. “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical,” remarked Vicki Been, reflecting the board’s skepticism. The stringent conditions of having all entitlements and zoning approved before reviewing any bids add to the complexity. The board candidly described the new deadline as “unreasonable,” highlighting that bids cannot be reviewed until all required approvals are secured.
In particular, environmental impact studies and necessary zoning changes serve as vital preconditions for bid reviews. High-profile proposals such as Bally’s Bronx and Steve Cohen’s Queens casino concepts necessitate rezoning of their parkland designations, exemplifying the substantial groundwork required before even considering bids.
Varied Proposals From Prime Locations
The array of proposals vying for a spot in the downstate casino landscape is as diverse as it is competitive. With 11 bidders in the fray, there are plans to develop casinos in iconic locales ranging from Times Square to Brooklyn, integrating not just gaming facilities but also resorts, housing units, and neighborhood enhancements.
Among the standout proposals are:
- Avenir: A collaboration between Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Links at Ferry Point: Proposed by Bally’s Corporation in The Bronx.
- Caesars Palace Times Square: A joint effort by Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation in Manhattan.
- Coney Project: Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings in Brooklyn.
- Freedom Plaza: A project by Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming in Manhattan.
- Metropolitan Park: A partnership between Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International in Queens.
- MGM Empire City: MGM Resorts International’s venture in Yonkers.
- Resorts World New York City: A proposal by Genting Group in Queens.
- Sands New York: Las Vegas Sands' project in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Saks Fifth Avenue: An undertaking by Hudson’s Bay Company with the operator to be determined, situated in Manhattan.
- Wynn New York City: A collaborative proposal from Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts in Manhattan.
Balancing Ambition and Practicality
While the board members recognize the potential conflict with the bill S9673A’s stipulations, they remain hopeful that a balance can be struck. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” Vicki Been expressed, acknowledging the complex dynamics at play. The overarching aim is to ensure that the timeline for obtaining bids, even if altered, does not impede the goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025.
The coming years promise to reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York. With a blend of commercial and tribal operators showcasing diverse and ambitious proposals, the future holds exciting developments in some of the state’s most iconic areas. The decision in the hands of Governor Kathy Hochul will set the course for what could be a transformative era for New York’s gaming and hospitality sector.