Board Votes For Zoning Change To Allow Gambling At Jake's 58

ISLANDIA, NY - The Islandia Village Board voted unanimously to approve a zone change that would allow gambling in hotels after complaints against the new hotel and casino -- Jake's 58, according to a report in Newsday.

In September, several residents against the casino filed a lawsuit stating that the village's approval of a permit for the video lottery casino in the hotel was unconstitutional.

A Supreme Court justice ruled in favor of the opponents, but this zone change could help the village to appeal the decision, Newsday reports.

“The fact that the government is allowing this casino to continue doesn’t make it legal,” Ira Bezack, an attorney representing the residents against the hotel told Newsday.

Read the full story here.

Jake's 58, purchased by Delaware North, opened its doors at the former site of a Marriott hotel on 3635 Express Drive North in February.

The hotel's opening caused some controversy after residents have expressed concerns that the casino could create burdensome traffic, hurt property values and increase crime.

What do you think? Should the village board have approved the permit? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: Facebook.com/Jake's 58