MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County is another step closer to having the glitz of a first-class resort hotel/casino at the Coliseum land. On Tuesday night, the county legislature voted 17-1, with one recusal, in favor of the Las Vegas Sands $4 billion lease agreement for the Nassau Hub site. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who shepherded bringing the project, said in a statement:

“The overwhelming bipartisan approval of lease terms with the Sands by the County Legislature affirms that Nassau County has made the right decision. This is the first hurdle overcome to provide a world-class entertainment center with a luxury spa and hotel, creating thousands of jobs and economic prosperity for Nassau County. I am very pleased with the vote.”

Blakeman did not mention controversial aspects of the deal, namely the casino, which has caused concern for citizens and local politicians. Find out what's happening in Rockville Centre with free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We are alarmed by the lack of transparency in the process, and disgusted that the taxpayers will be burdened with the long-term negative consequences of this decision," Allison O'Brien Silva, with the "Say No to the Casino" advocacy group, said. "As the process moves forward, we are confident that community opposition from our group and others will be successful in preventing the Las Vegas Sands from building a casino at the heart of our county."

O'Brien Silva praised the lone "no" voter, Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) for her "courage and commitment to her constituents." The Sands next gives a proposal to the state to obtain a gaming license. "We have held over 300 community meetings and are proud of the widespread coalition we have built with our new neighbors across Long Island," Robert G. Goldstein, Sands chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We are grateful for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the community."

(Article from the Rockville Centre Patch)