By Michael V. Cusenza
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Tuesday indicated that he supports a proposed zoning change that would allow up to three gaming facilities in select commercial and manufacturing districts. The facilities would only be considered compliant with zoning if they have been licensed through the robust State-level process.
“As the chairman of State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, I wholeheartedly support zoning text amendments that would facilitate where up to three gaming facilities can possibly locate in New York City, while protecting the integrity of the downstate gaming license process,” Addabbo said. “I look forward to the details of these amendments, which have the potential to not only streamline the licensing process, but also link city approvals to the robust state-level licensing process that will expedite the creation of thousands of union jobs, hundreds of millions in revenue and improve assisting individuals experiencing gaming addiction issues. By allowing gaming facilities in certain commercial and manufacturing districts, we are paving the way for significant job opportunities for local residents and economic growth in our city. The start of public review on this amendment is a crucial step in ensuring that New York City remains competitive in a quicker, more efficient application process for new gaming facility licenses in the downstate region.”
The proposal entered NYC’s formal public review process on Monday.
New York State has requested applications for up to three downstate gaming facilities. Applicants within New York City are at a disadvantage to other downstate applicants, because our zoning code prohibits these facilities.
That means New Yorkers could miss out on jobs and economic benefits without a zoning change.
This zoning proposal only applies to the three State-licensed downstate facilities and not any future gaming licenses.
The State licensing process includes input and approval by a Community Advisory Committee for each gaming facility application, made up of representatives from:
- The Governor
- The Mayor
- State Assemblymember
- State Senator
- Borough President
- City Councilmember
If approved by the Community Advisory Committee, the State Gaming Facility Location Board and State Gaming Commission will then consider applications.
According to the Department of City Planning, Gaming facilities shall be limited to those operating under a gaming license issued by the New York State Gaming Commission pursuant to Section 1306 of the Racing, PariMutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, as such law existed on [date of text amendment referral]. No other gaming facilities shall be permitted. Gaming facilities may include gaming areas and any other non-gaming #uses# related to the gaming areas including, but not limited to, #transient hotels#, eating or drinking establishments, as well as other amenities. Gaming facilities, as approved by the Gaming Commission at the time of their initial licensure, shall be deemed to have satisfied all other applicable regulations of this Resolution.
Additionally, Gaming facilities shall be limited to those operating under a gaming license issued by the New York State Gaming Commission pursuant to Section 1306 of the Racing, PariMutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, as such law existed on [date of text amendment referral]. No other gaming facilities shall be permitted. Gaming facilities may include gaming areas and any other non-gaming #uses# related to the gaming areas including, but not limited to, #transient hotels#, eating or drinking establishments, as well as other amenities. Gaming facilities, as approved by the Gaming Commission at the time of their initial licensure, shall be deemed to have satisfied all other applicable regulations of this Resolution.
