NEW YORK | Casino Development| FT| FLOORS

[NYguy]

https://www.politico.com/newsletters...ueens-00077397

Casino clash, round 1: Manhattan v. Queens


By ANNA GRONEWOLD and SALLY GOLDENBERG
01/11/2023

On the West Side of Manhattan, one of the nation’s largest developers is pitching “the highest-end casino probably ever built.” A few blocks away, another prominent builder is partnering with Caesars Entertainment for a Jay-Z-endorsed gaming facility that boasts a swank, balcony-style bar where patrons will overlook The Crossroads of the World.

But all the pixie dust Related Companies and SL Green are sprinkling for their competing casino pitches won’t matter if they can’t win over the notoriously development-wary politicians in Manhattan — and so far they haven’t.

As our Janaki Chadha and Sally Goldenberg report, a battle of the boroughs is underway between Manhattan and Queens, where elected officials are far more welcoming to two gaming proposals in their part of the city, and the battle is getting ugly.

“No tourists are going to fly to New York to go to Queens,” Brett Herschenfeld, an executive vice president at SL Green, told Janaki. “There’s nothing unique about Queens.”

Mets owner Steve Cohen, who is proposing a casino on the parking lot of Citi Field, opted not to respond. But Borough President Donovan Richards threw some jabs of his own. “Queens is the future,” he told Sally. “Manhattan? That was maybe 1983. We’re in 2023 now.” Most officials who have sway over the process spoke favorably about Cohen’s plan, though state Sen. Jessica Ramos expressed some reservations.

The state has three downstate licenses to award, but two are assumed to be spoken for by existing “racinos” that are looking to expand — Resorts World in Queens and MGM in Yonkers. That leaves bidders in a fierce fight for the remaining $500-million-plus license.

The state opened its bidding process last week, and other big players are rolling the dice. Saks Fifth Avenue is envisioning a casino atop its glamorous department store, and has been reaching out to officials in recent weeks, several knowledgeable people told us. And players are anxiously awaiting potential plans from one of the country’s biggest commercial investors, Vornado Realty Trust, as well as entertainment giant Bally’s Corp.

[NYguy]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...301719971.html

Las Vegas Sands to Pursue Multi-Billion-Dollar Downstate New York License at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Site on Long Island


Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Jan 12, 2023

With the recent release of the New York State Gaming Commission's Request for Application for three downstate New York gaming licenses, Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), the world's most valuable integrated resort company, today announced its intention to pursue the development of a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project on Long Island, New York.

The company has entered into agreements to purchase the long-term lease of the site currently home to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. These transactions, which still require certain approvals, would grant the company control of up to 80 acres in Nassau County, New York.

"Our company's track record of driving significant economic benefits to the communities in which we operate and the meaningful relationships and partnerships we have created in each of those communities gives us a unique perspective on what it takes to develop transformative tourism destinations that positively impact the local community. Based on that experience, we strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region's great entertainment and hospitality developments," said Robert G. Goldstein, the company's chairman and chief executive officer. "Our announcement today is only the first part of this journey. Our ability to put forward a compelling and competitive proposal will only succeed if we engage with the Long Island community and, in collaboration, develop a proposal that reflects the input of all those involved."

The integrated resort components of a Long Island development would include outdoor community spaces, four and five-star hotel rooms and a world-class live performance venue honoring the long legacy of live music at the Nassau Coliseum. The resort property would also feature celebrity chef restaurants, experiential events and venues and flexible meeting and convention space, including ballrooms. Other amenities would include high-quality casino gaming, which is planned to represent less than ten percent of the project's total square footage, a luxurious day spa, swimming pool and health club, and a variety of other entertainment programming.

Building upon years of community outreach at the site by RXR Realty, Sands will work with local Long Island communities to co-create a development plan and bid that ensures that the new integrated entertainment and hospitality resort maximizes economic opportunity, helps to build stronger communities, and protects the quality of life for all Long Islanders. Sands will re-activate the various working groups previously established by RXR to identify the goals and opportunities for local residents.

"After nearly two decades of working to transform the Nassau Coliseum site, including countless hours meeting with thousands of community members, the message has been overwhelmingly clear that Long Islanders want a global renowned entertainment destination that creates well-paying jobs and new opportunities at the Nassau Hub. But the challenge for turning this vision into reality has always been the commercial viability of a site encumbered by a nearly obsolete half-century-old arena," said Scott Rechler, CEO and chairman of RXR. "The plan envisioned by Sands is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination that has been sought after by Long Islanders."

Mr. Goldstein added, "Our proposed project would be designed to produce tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the local community on an annual basis, potentially offering property tax relief for residents. The project would also provide a lift for local businesses through a robust procurement program and support a broad range of community organizations and causes."

The project would also provide thousands of quality union jobs in both construction and operations.

"Long Island has always attracted entrepreneurial businesses, and in this case, it would be creating an entirely new industry for the region. The breadth and depth of the job opportunities created from this development, including many with no prior experience or minimum education requirements needed, are unlikely to be matched by any other proposal the state receives. We will offer a wide range of career paths and professional advancement and training programs working in partnership with trade schools, community colleges, local universities and other institutions. Career advancement will be possible and prioritized for all our team members," said Mr. Goldstein.

"I will always consider Hempstead my home, so it is with great pride that I have a leadership role working with this great community on this transformational project. We are committed to bringing opportunities for small businesses to thrive, career paths in multiple disciplines for our local residents, innovative approaches for minority and women-owned businesses, thousands of union jobs, and an understanding of our obligation to partner and communicate our vision for the future," said former New York Governor and Sands Senior Vice President David A. Paterson.

[BK1985]

Who wants to go to Nassau as a destination, not to mention that the closest LIRR stop is in Hempstead and would require a bus or uber ride? i feel like they are handicapping themselves here.

[TonyNYC]

If its only going to one license rewarded downstate.. then the only location that makes any sense is Manhattan.. forget about Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau.. it can't compete with the City.

Of the two proposals, Hudson Yards and Times Sq.. The Hudson Yards is far and away the best location for a casino/hotel.

[NYguy]

Therexare going to be 3 new licenses. But a lot of people think 2 of the 3 will go to Empire City in Yonkers, and ResortsWorlf in Queens, because they are already acting as casinos. But they can continue operating without licenses. Hudson Yards, Times Square, and Coney Island, with Coney having been rezoned already specifically for this type of development, are the best choices so far. There are others still to be announced.

[NYguy]

https://patch.com/new-york/eastmeado...assau-hub-site








Multi-Billion-Dollar Casino Project Proposed For Nassau Hub Site
The fate of the Nassau Coliseum is unclear in the proposal, which includes a new entertainment venue and high-class hotel rooms.


By Alex Costello, Patch Staff
Jan 12, 2023

Sands has big plans for the site, regardless of whether a casino is approved. The resort portions of the site would include outdoor community space, four- and five-star hotel rooms and a performance venue that "honors the legacy" of performances at Nassau Coliseum. Sands said the resort would also feature celebrity chef restaurants, experiential events and flexible meeting and convention spaces.

The casino, if approved, would be less than a tenth of the project's total square footage, Sands said.

• Video Link

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2023/01/12/saks-u...-avenue-store/

Saks unveils stylish plan for Bond-like casino at flagship Fifth Avenue store


By Lisa Fickenscher
January 12, 2023

Saks Fifth Avenue finally tipped its hand, confirming plans to bid for a casino license on the top floors of its flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

The luxury department store between East 49th and East 50th streets, next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, released exclusive images to The Post for a casino that will bring high rollers to the home of high fashion.

The renderings show stylishly dressed guests, seated at roulette tables, posh bars and upholstered chairs, clinking cocktails. They enter the building via a separate entrance on a red carpet that extends out onto the sidewalk and opens into a vast lobby area with multiple chandeliers and plush decorative rugs.

The casino would take up three floors, starting on the ninth, where servers will be dressed in black tie and hand out champagne flutes to gamblers, Richard Baker, executive chairman and chief executive of HBC, the Toronto-based company that owns Saks told The Post.

“The casino at Saks will attract an affluent global tourist and not prey on people who shouldn’t be in casinos,” Baker said.

Ever since last year when the state announced it would issue three new licenses for Las Vegas-style casinos in the metro region, Baker has been drafting the plan, he said.

Part of his pitch is that Fifth Avenue desperately needs an attraction that will increase foot traffic on the iconic shopping avenue, especially at night when the stores roll up their doors.

“All of us who live in New York City have seen an erosion of activity on Fifth Avenue, which is one of the most valuable attractions in the US and is vitally important for NYC,” Baker said.

A coterie of influential groups, including the powerful hotel union, supports the plan, according to Baker. He said Broadway theater owners wary of a casino that would compete for tourist dollars also backed his plan.

Baker declined to comment on whether it would partner with any established casino operators.

He estimates that the Saks casino could be developed within a year as opposed to competitors who are proposing new developments that could take many years to complete.

[TonyNYC]

Originally Posted by NYguy

Therexare going to be 3 new licenses. But a lot of people think 2 of the 3 will go to Empire City in Yonkers, and ResortsWorlf in Queens, because they are already acting as casinos. But they can continue operating without licenses. Hudson Yards, Times Square, and Coney Island, with Coney having been rezoned already specifically for this type of development, are the best choices so far. There are others still to be announced.

I know.. just going by what the talk is regarding Aqueduct and Yonkers Raceway getting two of the three.

If they don't get them then it should be Hudson Yards, Times Square and the 3rd... a toss up between Queens and Coney depending on who else comes forward.

Let's see what the other heavy hitters like Vornado, Extell, etc have in mind. Saks bid looks way too exclusive!

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by TonyNYC

I know.. just going by what the talk is regarding Aqueduct and Yonkers Raceway getting two of the three.

If they don't get them then it should be Hudson Yards, Times Square and the 3rd... a toss up between Queens and Coney depending on who else comes forward.

Let's see what the other heavy hitters like Vornado, Extell, etc have in mind. Saks bid looks way too exclusive!

I don't think the Queens (Cohen) proposal is viable, especially as an alternative to Coney Island, which is basically waiting for the green light, no messy approvals to get. The Queens location is basically parkland, and no way is the state going to approve unmapping that as a park to build a casino. Especially when then are so many other options.

Aqueduct and Yonkers are fine as they currently operate, but for the maximum bang the state is seeking for full fledged casinos (number of people reached, job creation, development, etc), I don't see how they should be considered the favorite other than the speed at which they can get table games going.

[NYguy]

The people have already voted in favor of casinos, but the media would like you to believe that no one wants one.



https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/17/n...th=login-email

All the Developers Who Want You to Want a New York Casino
Developers hoping to win one of three casino licenses in the New York City region are crafting bids heavy on amenities and less focused on gambling.


By Stefanos Chen
Jan. 17, 2023

As the race for three casino licenses in the New York City region kicks off in earnest this year, the developers behind a number of the multibillion-dollar bids are hoping to improve their chances with some Vegas-style sleight of hand: They’re asking, “What casino?”

One bid is proposing a Ferris wheel in Midtown East, steps away from a museum showcasing slabs of the Berlin Wall. There are plans in three boroughs and on Long Island that wax poetic about luxury resorts, surrounded by green space and enlivened by entertainment. And then there’s the addition of thousands of jobs and below-market-rate apartments.

“The gaming will be less than 10 percent of the resort,” said Jon Weinstein, a spokesman for Related Companies, the developer of Hudson Yards, which hopes to transform the neighborhood’s western portion into a “pre-eminent convention and entertainment district” with its partner, Wynn Resorts.

So begins the charm offensive to persuade skeptical city officials and community boards to see past the poker tables and consider the economic benefits that casino developers are preparing to dangle.

SL Green Realty Corp., which calls itself the city’s largest commercial landlord, and Caesars Entertainment are partnering on a bid to convert the developer’s building at 1515 Broadway, a 54-story office tower with the “The Lion King” musical at its base, into a more than 950-room hotel, casino and entertainment complex. The group is collaborating with Roc Nation, the entertainment agency founded by Jay-Z.

The base of the tower would be reconfigured to give “The Lion King” a more prominent entrance. The casino and entertainment space would occupy the second to eighth floors of the skyscraper, with hotel rooms above. Terraces would be repurposed for guests, with an up-close view of the Times Square ball drop.

But a recent presentation focused more on “impact” and “halo effect” than table games.

.....The local community board is also unconvinced, said Layla Law-Gisiko, the chair of its land use, housing and zoning committee. It is concerned that the labor market is already stretched in the area, and that a casino could prey on vulnerable populations. “Glamorous casinos only exist in James Bond movies,” she said.

Related Companies, the developer behind Hudson Yards on the Far West Side of Manhattan, and Wynn Resorts were the first to announce a bid for a gambling license.

They hope to transform the sprawling, undeveloped train yard in the western half of Hudson Yards, located next to the Javits Center, into a convention and entertainment district. It would require a nearly 10-acre platform to be built above the rail lines.

Jeff T. Blau, the chief executive of Related, recently said in an interview with Bloomberg that he wants “the highest-end casino probably ever built,” as well as 1,500 hotel rooms, 20 restaurants, a nightclub and other entertainment added to the site.

The firm originally agreed to build six residential buildings, including a share of below-market-rate apartments, with parks and a school by 2025. That plan will have to be modified, but the new bid will still include a school, open space and affordable housing, said Mr. Weinstein, the spokesman for Related.

If that vision fails to live up to the original promises for the site, community and elected officials could challenge the plan.

Brad Hoylman, the state senator whose district includes Hudson Yards, said he was concerned about building a school and housing so close to the proposed casino.

“My foremost concern is: Who in the neighborhood wants a casino?” he said.

Steps away from United Nations Headquarters, on an empty 6.7-acre lot that runs from East 38th to 41st Streets on First Avenue, the Soloviev Group is pitching the “Freedom Plaza,” a complex with 1,000 hotel rooms, residential towers, a democracy museum, a Ferris wheel and a casino.

“The city needs more than a casino,” said Stefan Soloviev, the firm’s chairman, who said he plans to showcase about 20 12-foot-tall slabs of the Berlin Wall from his personal collection.

Mr. Soloviev said the proposal would include two apartment towers with around 1,500 to 1,800 rental and condo units, a portion of which would be reserved for below-market-rate renters. There would also be a public soccer field and a marina on the East River.

But the firm has yet to name a gambling partner, at a time when many of the other bidders have paired up with leading companies.

Hudson’s Bay Company, the owner of the Saks Fifth Avenue department store chain, said it would bid to convert the top three floors of its flagship store — across the street from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a powerful symbol of the Roman Catholic Church — into a high-end casino.

“It will be comparable to the aesthetics and luxury detailing of the Saks Fifth Avenue store,” said Trenesa Danuser, a spokeswoman for Hudson’s Bay. A spokesman for the archdiocese declined to comment.

State Senator Liz Krueger described the project as “a fancy Monaco-like casino.”

Ms. Danuser said the project could take just one year to complete, compared with some of the more complicated timelines of other casino proposals.

Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the Mets, is considering a mixed-use complex with a casino on 50 acres of publicly owned land, most of which is currently used as a parking lot.

Earlier this month, he held a “community visioning session” for about 450 attendees in a club room in Citi Field, flanked by posters of Mike Piazza.

A website for the development plans does not mention casinos, but a poster at the event, where guests could place a sticker next to their favorite choices, solicited thoughts on “gaming” as a possibility for the site. It was one of the least popular options.

Mr. Cohen has been in talks with Hard Rock to develop a casino on the site, but his spokesman would not confirm whether the companies would work together.

“A gaming bid is obviously a distinct possibility,” said Mr. Cohen. But he added that the focus would be to bring in year-round entertainment and to convert the site — an industrial stretch between the neighborhoods of Corona and Flushing — into a welcoming, walkable area.

He is not the first to try to develop the site. Related Companies and the former owners of the Mets tried for years to convert the parking lot, once the site of Shea Stadium, into a mall complex and movie theater. Their plans were thwarted in 2017, when the New York Court of Appeals ruled that the project could not proceed without permission from the State Legislature, because the site sits on public parkland.

The developer, Thor Equities, is partnering with Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation and Legends to bid on a roughly five-acre development site in Coney Island, near Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.

The plan could include an indoor water park, a new roller coaster and several hotels and museums.

Joseph J. Sitt, the chief executive of Thor Equities, who grew up in south Brooklyn, admitted that the bid might be a long shot. The site is about an hour’s train ride from Midtown Manhattan, and the area has historically attracted mostly seasonal entertainment, with limited hotel capacity.

Last week, the casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands, in collaboration with the developer RXR Realty, said it is planning a multibillion-dollar development plan for the nearly 80-acre site around the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Midtown.

Ron Reese, a senior vice president at Las Vegas Sands, said it has entered an agreement to buy the long-term lease for the site and will bid for a gambling license. The plan calls for outdoor amenities, convention space, hotels and a new entertainment venue, though he wouldn’t discuss the fate of the aging coliseum. The casino, however, will only represent 10 percent of the project’s footprint, he said.

“People need to understand,” he said. “It’s not purely a casino development.”

The deal must still be approved by the Nassau County Legislature, because the land is publicly owned.

The company may be well suited for the political hurdles ahead. David A. Paterson, the former New York governor, is a senior vice president at the firm.

[NYguy]

[NYguy]

Coney should get one of those casinos. It’s now or never. Time forcthe city to out some action with its words in regards to what’s supposed to happen there.


https://twitter.com/nysgamingcomm?lang=en

[manchester united]

But in NYC (not in NY State), how many casinos will be built?

[NYguy]

https://www.timesunion.com/news/arti...g-17752052.php

Saratoga Casino and partners seek New York City gambling license
Plans to build $3B casino, hotel on Coney Island


Wendy Liberatore
Jan. 31, 2023

Saratoga Casino Holdings, along with its partners, are prepping to meet the first deadline in a series with the New York Gaming Commission to win a license for a $3 billion casino on Coney Island.

Saratoga Casino Holdings and its partners Thor Equities, the Chickasaw Nation and Legends Global Planning want to build a Las Vegas-style casino and hotel along the historic amusement park. If they win a bid for one of only three available New York City licenses, the casino will be on Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street between Surf Avenue and Wonder Wheel Way, directly across the street from the original Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand.

“We view ourselves as making a proposal that goes well beyond a casino and a hotel and will reinvigorate an entire community," Featherstonhaugh said. "There are a lot of great big burly varsity players running around in this arena who say they are going to make bids. If, in fact, all those bids happen, I think people might look at us as an underdog. It might be better to look at us as the little engine that could."

[Busy Bee]

"Odds" on favorite

[NYguy]

The first round will be over in a couple of days…



https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...301735276.html

Mohegan Named Casino Operator for Soloviev Group's NYC Casino Bid


NEWS PROVIDED BY
The Soloviev Group
Jan 31, 2023

Optimally located on Manhattan's east side, Freedom Plaza will emerge as an entertainment district offering green spaces, two residential towers, a first-class hotel, a casino, an iconic Ferris Wheel, and the world's first Democracy Museum.

Soloviev Group, a pioneer and leader in socially responsible and environmentally sustainable development, announces that Mohegan has joined its bid as the casino partner of Freedom Plaza. This announcement comes as a result of the New York State Gaming Commission's Request for Applications to develop and operate up to three downstate casinos and strategically leverages the category expertise, values, long-term vision, and culture of Mohegan and Soloviev Group which are well aligned.

Established in 1995, Mohegan is an extension of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut and is the owner, developer, and manager of eight premier integrated entertainment resorts in the United States, Canada, and Northern Asia. For more than 25 years, Mohegan has delivered exceptional entertainment offerings – emerging as a global leader in the hospitality, gaming, and entertainment industries.

The proposed Freedom Plaza will introduce the world's first museum dedicated to the celebration of freedom and democracy. Freedom Plaza will also serve the community at large with the availability of a substantial green area, a state-of-the-art performance venue, iconic Ferris Wheel, a 1,000+ room first-class hotel, and two residential towers which will work towards satisfying the city's critical shortage of housing.

The immediate surrounding area is largely undeveloped in terms of real estate, providing an opportunity for access without undue disruption. Connected to the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive and numerous bus stops, Freedom Plaza is a short walk from the 34th Street ferry and Grand Central Station. The development team will also explore providing additional dedicated ferry service.

Furthermore, Freedom Plaza will generate thousands of well-paying jobs throughout the construction process and upon opening and inject the local economy with millions of dollars in new tax revenue. Area businesses will also benefit from the halo effect of the city's newest destination. Infusing the brand values of both Soloviev Group and Mohegan will undoubtedly provide a compelling bid and competitive proposal.

[NYguy]

Soloviev's plan...


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[Busy Bee]

No

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

No

A big no. I place this as just slightly above the chances of seeing a casino built on the parking lot next to Citifield. And that’s only because that one is park land.

[BK1985]

Has Thor released any renderings for Coney Island? i would be really interested in seeing that simply for the indoor amusement feature.