The letter below was written by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray to residents.
The concerns that neighbors like you have expressed regarding the proposed Nassau OTB VLT (video lottery terminal) parlor at the former Westbury Fortunoff’s store location are serious. I share many of the same concerns, and I am working, along with my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board, to learn more about this proposal that could impact homeowners in the vicinity of the Old Country Road property. Based on what I already know, I oppose the proposed OTB facility at this site.
Clearly, issues such as increased traffic (including the prospect of bus traffic), parking, impacts on natural resources and municipal services (water, sewage, garbage), as well as concerns relative to criminal activity, are topics that need to be thoroughly and carefully explored.
While I do oppose this proposal, I would like to dispel the notion that Hempstead Town has oversight, project approval power or any other jurisdiction over the planned project. In fact, Nassau OTB is an agency created by New York State and, as such, falls under the authority of the New York State Gaming Commission. Furthermore, an inaccurate claim that the state’s gaming commission is required to confer with the town on this VLT parlor proposal has caused confusion. In fact, local government input is only provided for in circumstances where a casino referendum has failed. As you may be aware, a New York State casino referendum was approved by voters last year. As a result, Hempstead Town does not have an official role or a “seat at the table” with the gaming commission on this matter. Despite these facts, I will remain aggressive in voicing my concerns and advocating for local neighbors.
Please be aware that the town will meet with Nassau OTB, state officials and others to learn more about this proposal and to express my reservations.
I would urge you to share your views on this matter with other officials, and please feel free to call Nassau OTB directly at (516) 572-2828 or send e-mails to info@nassauotb.com to share your concerns. The aforementioned phone number is dedicated to this proposal.
Again, I thank everyone who has shared their thoughts with me on this issue, and I will continue to keep you updated on the matter.
Sincerely,
KATE MURRAY
Supervisor
