By Forum Staff
Resorts World New York City on Thursday received unanimous support—6 to 0—from the Community Advisory Committee—a first step in the company’s plan to create a $5.5 billion integrated resort, the largest in the United States. The proposal will now go to the Gaming Facility Location Board, where Resorts World will lay out its vision of generating 24,000 new jobs, $1 billion in new incremental revenue by next year, and billions of dollars in economic activity beginning as soon as next July.
More han 100 community members spoke in support of both Resorts World’s record as well as the merits of the proposal New York City’s only casino has put forward. That included community organizations, elected officials, members of organized labor, and other partners – many of whom have worked with Resorts World since it broke ground in October 2010.
During its July 21st presentation to the Committee, and at subsequent public hearings, Resorts World officials highlighted the community and economic benefits of its proposed expansion. With a commercial casino license in hand, Resorts World can:
- Create 24,000 jobs – 5,000 permanent, 5,000 union construction, and 14,000 indirect and induced
- Resorts World would be operational by July 2026 thanks to its unparalleled speed to market capabilities
- Provide $1 billion in new, incremental revenue to New York State in 2026, as well as send $1 billion to the MTA within the first five years of licensure
- Develop 12 acres of new, public greenspace designed in partnership with the community
- Deliver a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, large-scale event and meeting space, and 30 new dining options including concepts by Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Scott Conant
The bid has also garnered the backing of two of Queens most famous native sons: hip-hop legend Nas and two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith. In June, Nas recorded a video as part of Resorts World’s bid that paid homage to The World’s Borough and the facility’s mission to advance its communities. Smith meanwhile has been the driving force behind “The Jet Center” – a state-of-the-art sports and media complex that will be the centerpiece of the Resorts World Innovation Campus. Later today, the “Inside the NBA” host will appear at Resorts World to officially unveil “The Jet Center” and discuss the driving forces behind it.
“On behalf of the entire Resorts World team, I want to thank the Community Advisory Committee for recognizing the impact we will have not only on Queens but all of New York City and State,” said Robert DeSalvio, president, Genting Americas East. “We are incredibly grateful to the large number of residents, partners, and supporters who touted this project, without a single person speaking against it. This is a testament to our mission – solidified over the last 15 years – to be the best neighbor possible here in Queens.”
“No family in this borough should ever have to leave Queens to find a good-paying union job, workforce housing and opportunities for their child to grow. Nor should anyone have to cross our border to enjoy fine dining and A-list entertainment. With today’s vote, we are one step closing to ensuring the amenities we want and need here in The World’s Borough can all be found at Resorts World in Southeast Queens,” said Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
