The Village of Islandia in New York’s Suffolk County on August 12 unanimously approved a plan to place video lottery terminals in the Marriott Hotel.
The Village Board was scheduled to address the matter next month, but Islandia Mayor Allan M. Dorman cancelled the agenda item. The board then moved it up to the August 12 meeting, which lasted only a few minutes.
The board approved a special permit for 1,000 video lottery terminals at the hotel, despite vocal protest from several village residents.
Several local residents have said they are concerned about potential increases in local traffic, crime, prostitution, drug use, and suicides, while reducing local property values.
Proponents say the plan will boost local revenues by several million dollars in the village and Suffolk County.
Residents opposed to the plan, though, say they will file a legal challenge.
Buffalo-based Delaware North is taking over ownership of the Islandia Marriott and plans to continue running the hotel, while leasing gaming space to the Suffolk County Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation.
The OTB will install the 1,000 slots and operate the mini-casino, if it withstands potential legal challenges.
