New York: County looks to spend $3M more in legal fights over Sands casino bid

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 3:51 AM
Photo:  Las Vegas Sands Corporation (courtesy)/rendering of proposed casino-resort in Uniondale, NY
  • Candice Ferrette, Newsday

Nassau County could spend an additional $3 million in taxpayer money on defending itself against two lawsuits opposing a casino resort proposal at the Coliseum.

In a 4-3 party line vote on Monday, Republican legislators on the county’s Rules Committee approved a request from County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, to amend a legal contract with Sullivan & Cromwell of Mineola increasing the contract cost from $2 million to $5 million.

In Nassau, certain contracts do not require the approval of the full, 19-member legislature and are reviewed and approved in the Rules Committee, according to the county charter. Republicans hold a 12-7 majority on the Nassau Legislature.