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Hofstra University files special proceeding over casino proposal18 April 2023(PRESS RELEASE) -- Hofstra University filed an Article 78 special proceeding addressing the Nassau County Planning Commission’s recent violations of important New York State and Nassau County laws. The Planning Commission failed to properly notice and conduct its meetings for consideration of the transfer of the lease for the Nassau Hub and surrounding public property from its current leaseholder to Las Vegas Sands for the development of a casino. “We are asking that the Planning Commission commit to a fair and transparent process,” said Hofstra University spokeswoman Terry Coniglio. “To this point, the Planning Commission’s hearing did not comply with the law, and we have been forced to ask the court to ensure that the public receives the information it deserves and a fair opportunity to be heard on this important matter.” Nassau County law requires that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing before deciding whether to recommend the lease transfer to the County Executive and the County Legislature, and that public hearing must comply with New York’s Open Meetings Law. Although the Planning Commission claimed to conduct such a meeting on 2 March 2023, the public was not notified in advance that the meeting related to Las Vegas Sands or the transfer of County property for a casino development, and no terms were disclosed to the public regarding the proposed lease. The Planning Commission deemed public comment to be closed on 2 March even though they acknowledged that the lease transfer was still being negotiated. As stated in our Petition to the court, the Planning Commission violated the law on 2 March and in other meetings, including by failing to provide the public with proper notice, by denying the public a right to attend its “work sessions” and by scheduling meetings to benefit the private interests of Las Vegas Sands. Hofstra brings this special proceeding in court to protect its own and the public’s right to appropriate notice, relevant information, and a fair opportunity to be heard on an issue of great import to the citizens of Nassau County. |