Two of Long Island’s most-debated plans—a casino and a multi-billion dollar mixed-use development in Uniondale—might join forces, it was announced Tuesday.
The latest possible destination for a casino, should a Southampton-based Native American tribe achieve the prerequisite federal recognition to establish one, could be at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum—if negotiations spearheaded by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano are successful.
Insert casino here: An artists rendering of the proposed Lighthouse Project
“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 Tuesday. “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.”
The aging coliseum has been the center of debate over how best to redevelop the arena and the surrounding 77 acres. New York Islanders owner Charles Wang wants to build The Lighthouse Project, a $3.7 billion development that has languished in the planning stages for years. He has threatened to move the team if the plan does not get approved.
The Shinnecocks are expecting final approval this spring for federal recognition. The nation has been considering various locations on and off Long Island as possible locations for a casino.
Mangano emphasized the talks are in the earliest stages.
The tribe said it would work with all parties to find suitable sites. A Wang spokeswoman did not immediately comment.
With Associated Press
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