More than 300 Nassau County residents packed the ballroom at the Uniondale Marriott on Thursday to have their voices heard regarding a proposed $4 billion resort casino. Some are demanding independent traffic, air, water and noise studies. Emotions spilled over as two sides in the hotly contested casino wars squared off.

“Casinos are places that lift people up and shake them until all the money falls out,” said George Krug, with “Say No to Casino.”

“We will be victorious, this casino will be built and it will be built with union,” said Johnny Martincic, with local Steamfitters 638.

Hempstead town officials are hosting required public environmental meetings.