The news that Nassau Off Track Betting Corporation (OTB) has decided to go ahead in approving the vacant Fortunoff department store as the site for its slot style casino came as music to some people’s ears, and a disgusting and annoying noise to others. News of the corporation’s intent first came to some area residents’ attention via an email blast in mid-December from the office of Mayor Cavallaro, who also advised that it was his understanding that other areas in the county were also under consideration. However, we have since learned of the tremendous push back from residents of Plainview and Elmont/Belmont Park, (two of the proposed areas) voicing strong opposition to such plans, and no doubt played a role in the selection of Westbury as the path of least resistance.
Cavallaro made it clear that he was not in favor of this type of operation in Westbury, but conceded that there is little the village government could do about it since OTB is a state authority and is exempt from local zoning laws. However, I do recall how this community rallied together back in 2012, galvanizing all the stake holders; school board trustee, village trustee, legislators, councilors, clergy, civic associations, et al) in protesting against the Bristal corporation in its attempt at seeking a 10- year extension of the facility’s tax abatement agreement—double dipping so to speak. The Industrial Development Agency had no choice but to deny the request.
It is no secret that the negative effects from casino gambling (or gaming as it is referred to) often outweighs the benefits; one just needs to take an in-depth look at Atlantic City, or to consult the study conducted by the National Association of Realtors, on the effect of casinos on local economies. The study revealed in part, that “communities located within 10 miles of a casino exhibit double the rate of problem gambling….such communities also suffer higher rates of foreclosures and other forms of economic distress and domestic violence.”
If it is not good for other communities, it is not good for Westbury.
Chester McGibbon
