Proposed zoning changes at Nassau Coliseum, Mitchel Field spark debate

Residents, business leaders, and elected officials shared their thoughts on the proposed changes to the Nassau Coliseum and Mitchel Field sites during the first of two public hearings before the Hempstead Town Board on May 27.

The proposed zoning change would create a Mitchel Field Integrated Resort District, which could potentially permit a casino resort or other tourism attractions.

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Marriott Hotel Property are currently zoned within the Mitchel Field Mixed-Use District. In the district, gaming facilities, including bars, casinos, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, hotels, and other facilities under their control, are not allowed according to the town.

Officials with the town confirmed that no vote would be taking place by the board after the two separate public comments.

Daniel Baker, an attorney from the Garden City law firm Greenberg Traurig, and civil engineers from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, the firm responsible for generating the Sands environmental report, presented the proposed changes by the Las Vegas Sands corporation during the hearing.

Baker said the renovations would transform the area from “a sea of asphalt parking areas with an underutilized arena,” into a “mixed entertainment destination that fosters a sense of community and connectivity within its surroundings and draws people together.”

Reaction from the public was mixed at Hempstead town hall similar to the several previous public hearings that at the county level. Red “Say no to the Casino” signs and green “hope for the hub” signs were displayed throughout Hempstead town hall during the public hearing.

Speakers in favor of the zoning changes pointed to economic growth, the potential of developing an underdeveloped area, as well as benefits for union and construction workers.

“It is a commitment to create jobs, develop business, and be part of the transformational project that will uplift this entire community in Nassau County,” said Rachel Lugo, a Hempstead resident, who additionally serves as division director of family support and vocational services for the EAC Network, a social service agency that assists and cares for people in need across Long Island and New York City.

Lugo added that the new employment opportunities will benefit the unemployed, working class, and people with disabilities among others.

“I see every day the challenges faced by those working two or three jobs just to support their families and the food on the table, as well as taking two or three different modes of transportation to get to work,” she said. “This is our chance to ease that burden.”

While the Sands announced that it will not apply in June for one of three available downstate gaming licenses in New York last April, they are still responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the property, but cannot build or develop on it after the Nassau County Legislature approved a 42-year operational lease agreement with the company last August.

Those in opposition to the changes cited their ethical concerns with gambling, harmful environmental impacts, water use and traffic concerns.

Pearl Jacobs, a Uniondale resident, a  member of the Say No to the Casino Civic Association and president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, brought up several environmental concerns that she said would stem from high traffic at a casino, pointing to the high asthma rates in Uniondale, Roosevelt and Hempstead.

“Championing a casino proposal with its myriad of environmental burdens while chastising the FAA is the height of hypocrisy,” Jacobs noted in a later portion of her statement she did not read due to time constraints.

“Moving forward with a casino proposal would be detrimental to county resident’s quality of life and public health.” She also added that the proposal “nothing other than environmental racism” due to its proximity towards and potential health impacts on disadvantaged communities

The town board ended the hearings with a unanimous vote to leave the hearing open for written comment until June 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Comments can be sent to Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington St., Hempstead, NY 11550.