Downstate New York is on the brink of a major transformation with the proposed introduction of three new casino facilities. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has earmarked June 27, 2025, as the new bid deadline for these ambitious projects. However, a bill awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature could upend this timeline, advancing the submission deadline to August 31, 2024.
The bill, penned by Senator Joe Addabbo and known as S9673A, sailed through both the house and senate in early June. If Governor Hochul signs it, the facility location board would face an expedited schedule that it deems "impractical." Vicki Been, a member of the board, remarked, “Politicians may want a quicker deadline, but that would be impractical.”
Environmental and Zoning Hurdles
One significant concern about the accelerated timeline is the prerequisite approvals for entitlements and zoning. The board has clearly stated, “Because bids cannot be reviewed until all ‘entitlements and zoning’ are approved, the board views the current deadline as unreasonable.” This points to the critical bottlenecks of environmental impact studies and zoning changes that need to be navigated before any proposals can be given serious consideration.
The urgency around these approvals is further underscored by the Bally’s Bronx proposal and Steve Cohen’s Queens proposal, both of which necessitate rezoning from parkland designations to accommodate the casino facilities. While eleven bidders are vying for prime real estate from Times Square to Brooklyn, the complexity of multiple stakeholders and divergent zoning laws could potentially stymie progress.
Diverse Proposals from High-Profile Bidders
Downstate New York has attracted a slew of high-profile bidders, each offering unique visions for integrated casinos and broader community developments. Among the notable proposals are:
- Silverstein Properties and Greenwood Gaming’s Avenir in Manhattan.
- Bally’s Corporation’s Bally’s Links at Ferry Point in The Bronx.
- Caesars Entertainment, SL Green, and Roc Nation’s Caesars Palace Times Square in Manhattan.
- Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings’ Coney Project in Brooklyn.
- Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming’s Freedom Plaza in Manhattan.
- Steven Cohen and Hard Rock International’s Metropolitan Park in Queens.
- MGM Resorts International’s MGM Empire City in Yonkers.
- Genting Group’s Resorts World New York City in Queens.
- Las Vegas Sands’ Sands New York in Nassau County, Long Island.
- Hudson’s Bay Company’s Saks Fifth Avenue, operator to be determined, in Manhattan.
- Related Companies, Oxford Properties Group, and Wynn Resorts’ Wynn New York City in Manhattan.
Potential Conflicts and Optimism
The board has acknowledged the potential conflict between its planned timeline and the stipulations of S9673A. During a meeting held on Thursday, the members expressed their concerns but remained optimistic about aligning their goals with the invasive new legislation. “The hope would be that our reasoning will be helpful to the governor,” commented Vicki Been.
Despite the potential hurdles, the board is hopeful that obtaining bids by the new deadline will not delay the ultimate goal of issuing licenses by the end of 2025. If successful, these projects could reshape the entertainment and economic landscape of downstate New York. From gaming to sprawling development projects, key regions of the state could see a revitalization, incorporating resorts, housing units, and neighborhood improvements.
It remains to be seen how the tug-of-war over the deadlines will play out, but one thing is certain—the stakes are high, and the outcomes will have lasting impacts on some of New York's most iconic areas.