Las Vegas Sands, the world’s most valuable integrated resort company, today announced its intention to pursue the development of a multi-billion dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project on Long Island, New York, as the New York State Gaming Commission recently released applications for three New York State Downstate Games licenses.
The company has signed a long-term lease on the site, which is currently home to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The deal, which still requires certain approvals, will allow the company to own up to 80 acres in Nassau County, New York.
“Our company’s track record of delivering significant economic benefits to the communities we operate in, and the meaningful relationships and partnerships we have created in those communities, provides a unique perspective on what we need to do to develop innovative tourist destinations that positively impact our communities,” said Robert G. Goldstein, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Based on that experience, we strongly believe that Long Island can be home to the development of great entertainment and hospitality in the region. Our presentation today is just the first part of the journey. Our ability to present compelling and competitive proposals will only succeed if we engage with and work with the Long Island community to develop proposals that reflect the opinions of all involved.”
The integrated resort components of the long island development include outdoor community spaces, four star and five star hotel rooms, and a global live venue honoring a long legacy of Nassau Coliseum live music. Resort accommodation also includes a famous chef’s restaurant, hands-on events and venues, and flexible conference and convention spaces, including ballrooms. Other amenities will include high-quality casino games, luxurious day spas, swimming pools and health clubs, and a variety of other entertainment programs planned to cover less than 10% of the project’s total square feet.
Building on years of community outreach on the ground by RXR Realty, Sands will work with local Long Island communities to co-write development plans and bids that will help new integrated entertainment and hospitality resorts maximize economic opportunities, build stronger communities, and protect the quality of life for all Long Island residents. Sands will reactivate various working groups previously established by RXR to identify local residents’ goals and opportunities.
After nearly 20 years of trying to transform the Natso Coliseum site, including countless hours of meetings with thousands of community members, the message that Long Islanders want a world-famous entertainment destination that creates good-paying jobs and new opportunities at the Natso Hub was overwhelmingly clear,” said Scott Rechler, CEO and President of RXR. “But the challenge to turn this vision into reality has always been the commercial viability of sites hampered by almost 50-year-old stadiums. The initiative Sands envisions is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of world-famous entertainment and hospitality destination that Long Islanders have been pursuing.”
Goldstein said: “Our proposed project would be designed to generate tens of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue for the community, potentially providing property tax relief for residents. The project will also boost local businesses through a robust procurement program and support a wide range of community organizations and businesses.”
The project will also provide thousands of quality union jobs, both in construction and operations.
“Long Island has always attracted entrepreneurial businesses, and in this case, it’s about creating a whole new industry for the region,” Goldstein said. “The breadth and depth of job opportunities created by this development, including many with no prior experience or minimal educational requirements, will be inconsistent with any other proposal received by the state. We will provide a wide range of career and professional development and training programs working in partnership with trading schools, community colleges, community colleges and other organizations. Career development will be possible and prioritized for all team members.”
“I will always regard Hempstead as my home, so I take great pride in having a leadership role working with this great community on this transformational project,” said David A. Patterson, a former New York governor and senior vice president of Sands. “We are committed to bringing opportunities for small businesses to thrive, career paths in different fields for our locals, innovative approaches for minority and female-owned businesses, thousands of union jobs, and an understanding of our obligation to partner and communicate with our vision for the future.”
Governor Patterson said, “Our diversity and engagement strategy will create an environment of collaboration and economic equity. Our goal is to ensure that our supply chain is met by locally based small businesses, minority-owned, female-owned and veteran and disabled entrepreneurs, so that our surrounding communities are central to and fully engaged in the success of this project.”
With Sands ECO360, the company’s well-established, industry-leading environmental sustainability program, Long Island Development will also leverage cutting-edge sustainable building and operational practices. The company will seek guidance from Long Island environmental leaders on its ambition to achieve LEED certification and its goal of being the “greenest” building on Long Island.
Sands is also committed to creating a unique development unique to Long Island through investments in existing community and cultural projects and organizations, and partnerships with local celebrities and sports teams. The project will also honor the site’s legacy as a veteran memorial and pay tribute to Long Island’s beloved community of soldiers, the past and present.
“The entire Sands team is excited about the opportunity to help realize this vision and we are ready to work in a serious and transparent manner in an effort to bring exciting new industries to Long Island with the community,” Goldstein said.