Local electeds excited for possible Queens casino
Members of the community advisory committee tasked with evaluating the Aqueduct Racetrack casino proposal touted Resorts World’s history as a good neighbor to the area when explaining their votes.
“I believe they are a very honest partner in community development,” state senator James Sanders, Jr. said at the vote. “They have proven to be people of their word. They realize this community has a long memory and they want to be remembered well.” Sanders voted to approve the proposal remotely, attending the meeting via video call from Johannesburg.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. said the proposal fit with his mission to eradicate unemployment, especially for people of color. He referenced the proposal’s support from the rapper Nas.
“Queens get the money. Sorry, Jay-Z. We win again,” Richards said, referencing Jay-Z’s involvement in the failed Times Square casino proposal. “You can let the Brooklyn borough president know that I send my regards.”
Nicole Garcia, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, voted to approve the proposal, but said the city believes there is more work to be done “to ensure the project delivers its full potential benefits.”
The broader aqueduct site represents one of the city’s greatest opportunities for new housing, Garcia said. She encouraged Resorts World to work with the state on an accelerated housing plan for the greater site or to support jurisdictional transfer to the city.