OTB sends out mailer, as officials and residents gear up for public meeting
The casino controversy continues, as residents, civic organizations and local officials have called on Nassau OTB to halt their plans to bring a mini-casino with 1,000 video lottery terminals to the Fortunoff’s building on Old Country Road.
The resident-formed “Stop the Casino at Fortunoff” Facebook group, has more than 3,000 likes on Facebook. The group has organized a petition (with more than 2,000 signatures) and has mobilized residents to fight against the casino by calling legislators and OTB officials.
The group, along with numerous elected officials, have called on OTB to hold a public meeting to hear concerns from residents.
“The lack of any attempt to seek public input on the site selection has been disappointing. Legitimate community concerns must be addressed,” said Westbury mayor Peter Cavallaro.
Despite public outcry, OTB has not made plans for a face-to-face public meeting to hear resident concerns. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, they did send a mailer out to Westbury and Carle Place residents, addressing common questions such as why the site was chosen, security measures at the facility and how much space the gaming facility would occupy.
The letter stated that additional mailers would be sent out with more information about traffic, tax generation and community benefits, among other topics.
OTB noted the VLT gaming facility will have positive impacts, such as the creation of 200 jobs, increased revenue for the county and additional sales tax for local municipalities. However for many residents, the negatives far outweigh any good the casino could bring.
Members of the Meadowbrook Pointe-Merchants Concourse Civic Association says that the casino will drain disposable income from local residents and bring crime to the community.
“The Fortunoff’s property was once Nassau’s crown jewel of retailing, attracting customers from throughout Long Island seeking high-quality products. The planned casino will attract the exact opposite, promising to bring increased congestion and crime,” said Henry Cernitz of the Meadowbrook Pointe-Merchants Concourse Civic Association.
Residents have organized a meeting on Jan. 15 at St. Brigid’s School at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the casino. The event, which will be moderated by Cavallaro, is anticipated to be well attended by members of the public and local officials.
However, some officials have been quick to say that they are powerless when it comes to the decisions about the casino. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray voiced her opposition to the project and said that while she was working with Nassau OTB and state officials to learn more, the town has no control over the casino.
“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. Nassau OTB is an agency created by New York State and falls under the authority of the New York State Gaming Commission,” said Murray in a letter. “Hempstead Town does not have an official role or a ‘seat at the table’ with the gaming commission on this matter.”
County Executive Ed Mangano has suggested the Race Palace in Plainview as an alternative site, but noted in a statement that he has no authority whether the casino comes to Fortunoff’s.
“While I have no jurisdiction over the matter and given the many questions to be addressed, I stand with residents in opposition to Fortunoff as the site of gaming in Nassau and have made by position known to OTB,” said Mangano.
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