Anti-Casino Rally Held On Eve Of Legislature Vote

MINEOLA, NY — Ahead of the expected Monday vote by the Nassau Legislature, the community held a rally in opposition to the proposed hotel/casino for the county.

Grassroots group "Say No to the Casino" organized Sunday's protest, symbolically in front of the legislative building.

Along with community leaders, Village of Garden City Mayor Mary Flanagan, Village of Westbury Mayor Paul Cavallaro and Village of Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira were among the speakers.

At issue, is the $4 billion lease agreement between the county and Las Vegas Sands for the Coliseum location. Those against building the casino are concerned about the crime rate going up and property taxes going down in nearby neighborhoods. A rise in vehicular traffic is also seen as problematic for surrounding communities.

The project advanced after getting a thumbs-up from the legislature's Rules Committee earlier this month.