New York City is moving to ease zoning restrictions in commercial and manufacturing areas as they apply to licensed, legalized casinos.
The city’s Planning Commission is beginning what will be a seven-month process to amend zoning text to allow for casinos licensed by the state, which has authorized three new casinos in the downstate region, which includes the five boroughs of New York City.
If passed, potential casinos in those zoning districts, which cover wide swaths in every borough, would need approval from only the state and its Community Advisory Committee to move forward.
Planning Commission Chairman Dan Garodnick said the move will assure gaming applications are “not at a competitive disadvantage” compared to surrounding counties.
“As the state considers proposals for casinos downstate, it’s important that we create a level playing field for applicants within New York City so they can compete for this opportunity,” Garodnick said, according to Commercial Observer.
“This text amendment would avoid duplicating the state’s rigorous licensing process, which includes local representation on the (Community Advisory Committee) while setting up a rational framework for consideration within our zoning.”
