The controversial proposal which would have seen a gambling parlor as part of the now vacant Fortunoff building is over for now. Nearby residents have vehemently opposed the casino plan for some time, and recently had nearly 1,000 people show up at a local high school for a rally against the gambling proposal, claiming a casino would directly contribute to a spike in crime, putting innocent children at risk.
“The use of the former Fortunoff’s location appears that it would violate a town law governing the citing of off-track betting facilities,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray wrote in a letter last week to Nassau OTB Chairman Joseph Ciaro. She followed that up claiming the neighboring town of Westbury would enforce the provision.
The law Murray was referring to was one that bans gambling facilities from operating within 500 feet of a residence. OTB officials have staunchly claimed New York State law exempts them from the current town zoning laws in place. John Collins, president and CEO of Winthrop-University Hospital, in a statement said, “We believe that it will significantly increase traffic congestion in the area and in so doing will pose a serious health threat to local residents and surrounding communities.”
Residents even went one step further, and last week packed the county legislature to insist OTB board members be swapped out with those who opposed the building of a gaming parlor in Westbury. Norma Gonsalves, presiding officer, refused to bring the bill for a vote due to it lacking proper support to guarantee passage. the rowdy crowd heckled and booed as lawmakers tried to explain their position.
