Casino in the cards for Nassau Coliseum?

County Executive Edward Mangano announced on Tuesday that he is in talks with the Shinnecock Nation about a plan that would include a resort and casino on the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property.
   
“My administration has been in discussion with the Shinnecock Indian Nation with respect to Nassau Coliseum being listed as a site for an entertainment destination center and casino,” Mangano said in a statement. “Serious consideration must be given to this economic development opportunity that would create jobs, expand the tax base, build a new Nassau Coliseum and retain the Islanders.”    
   
It is uncertain how this would impact the Lighthouse project, a multi-billion dollar proposal that would develop the property surrounding a renovated Coliseum with a new convention center, a five-star hotel and space for retail stores, residential units, restaurants, businesses, among numerous other amenities to improve what is considered by many a blighted area. The Lighthouse project is led by New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and real estate executive Scott Rechler.

   
In February, the Hempstead Town Council announced it would devise a “zoning blueprint” for the property that would be a scaled-down version of the Lighthouse as it was originally proposed. Town officials said a plan for the property will be unveiled this summer.
   
Susan Trenkle-Pokalsky, a spokeswoman for Supervisor Kate Murray, said the town has not seen a proposal for a casino at the property.
   
“We have not seen the proposal,” she said. “The town remains focused on reasonable development. We will review the proposal if and when it is presented to us. Supervisor Murray and the town board want to keep the Islanders here.”