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summerBaby10
let's be nice
Member since 9/07 10208 total posts
Name:
Wifey
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Seriously? A casino in our backyards?
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Posted 12/30/14 8:57 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
What?!?!?!
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| Posted 12/30/14 9:08 PM |
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LMFitz
life is good
Member since 5/05 2013 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
It's on newsday's home page right now. I'd link, but Newsday blows....
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| Posted 12/30/14 9:32 PM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Nassau OTB chooses former Fortunoff store for video gambling parlor Regional Off-Track Betting
Nassau Regional Off-Track Betting has chosen the vacant Fortunoff store at The Source mall in Westbury to house a gambling parlor with up to 1,000 video slot machines and table games, the agency said Tuesday.
OTB, which considered more than a dozen potential sites, has begun negotiations with Fortunoff bondholders and lenders. They took ownership of the mall in 2012 after a foreclosure auction found no buyers willing to pay off the $128 million debt on the site.
The video lottery terminals will occupy about 15 percent, or 30,000 square feet, of the 200,000-square foot, four-story building -- roughly the same footprint once occupied by Fortunoff houseware and jewelry departments, OTB said.
"The remaining portions of the structure will feature first-class amenities such as restaurants and a food court, administrative offices and extensive surveillance and security," OTB said in a statement.
OTB said it will not purchase or lease the rest of the mall, which has several vacant storefronts. The rest of the shopping center will not include gaming.
Officials did not disclose the purchase price for the gambling parlor. Earlier this month, OTB officials authorized up to $100 million in tax-exempt bonds to buy and develop a VLT site, but said the project could cost significantly less.
The Fortunoff property met a key criteria for OTB: the need for at least 1,000 parking spots. A multilevel parking structure is located in the rear of the shuttered retail store.
Nassau OTB president Joseph Cairo projects the site will generate nearly $20 million in annual revenue for OTB and the county.
The gaming parlor is expected to open next year. OTB still must select an operator for the facility.
OTB said the Fortunoff site was selected "after extensive considerations were given to each and every site offered. This facility provides a centralized location with ample parking and easy access to major thoroughfares as required by the New York State Gaming Commission."
Selection of the Fortunoff site has been rumored in the local community for weeks, allowing Westbury and Carle Place residents and elected officials to begin mobilizing against the plan.
Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro complained that Fortunoff is located within a few blocks of at least 300 single-family homes and less than a mile from three schools.
"It's not suitable for a residential community," said Cavallaro, who also detailed his concerns in a Dec. 23 letter to Cairo.
Kim Ribarich, a Westbury resident who helped organize a Facebook page opposed to the casino plan, said "this location is too close for comfort. We are not opposed to casinos. Just don't put it there."
Cavallaro said the gaming parlor would add to traffic on Old County Road and nearby residential streets -- including during late night hours -- and lead to an increase in crime and gambling addiction.
He plans to host a private meeting on Jan. 8 with state and local elected officials to discuss the plan. A public meeting also is scheduled for Jan. 21 at Carle Place High School.
OTB is exempt from most zoning requirements and the project would not be subject to local zoning boards, Cavallaro said.
The Mall at the Source, opened in 1997, is in one of Nassau's busiest commercial districts.
But the mall has struggled in recent years after Fortunoff, its onetime anchor tenant, filed for bankruptcy and shut down in 2009. Other major retailers have since left the mall. A Cheesecake Factory and other stores remain at the mall.
The loan balance on The Source mall is $124 million, while Fortunoff has a separate $46 million loan that is in default, according to Trepp, a company that tracks information on commercial loans.
Records show the Fortunoff building is owned by Westbury Property Investment Company and Westwood LLC. The Manhattan law firm of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP has begun foreclosure proceedings on the site, records show. Natan Hamerman, the law firm's special counsel, who represents the firm in foreclosure proceedings, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
State legislation enacted in 2013 that authorized construction of up to four upstate casinos also allowed Nassau and Suffolk counties to build gambling parlors with up to 1,000 video slot machines and table games such as roulette, baccarat and blackjack.
In October, Suffolk Off-Track Betting Corp. closed on a $10.95 million deal to buy a 31-acre former Medford movie multiplex for its gaming parlor.
The move came after the board of directors of Suffolk OTB voted to borrow as much as $90 million for construction of the VLT parlor and immediately pay off OTB's creditors.
Suffolk is expected to break ground on the facility in early 2015and to open during the year. It will be run by Delaware North, a Buffalo-based gaming and hospitality company.
Suffolk OTB president Phil Nolan has declined to estimate revenues, noting that the agency, coming out of bankruptcy, must pay creditors $17 million over the next three years.
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| Posted 12/30/14 9:39 PM |
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Michelle1110
My family is complete
Member since 1/12 2338 total posts
Name:
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
My first reaction is awesome!
Second reaction - fear of more crime, etc.
So I will add my own anecdote. I teach close to the new Resorts in Queens. As a staff, we were very concerned what this would mean for our families in the community. So far - nothing! We haven't seen any blow back in the area. Just my experience.
So I'm not sure this will be a terrible idea in terms of crime. I can't speak to traffic, etc.
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| Posted 12/31/14 10:25 AM |
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PearlJamChick
No one sings like you anymore.
Member since 7/10 9264 total posts
Name:
Petticoated Swashbuckler
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by Michelle1110
My first reaction is awesome!
Second reaction - fear of more crime, etc.
So I will add my own anecdote. I teach close to the new Resorts in Queens. As a staff, we were very concerned what this would mean for our families in the community. So far - nothing! We haven't seen any blow back in the area. Just my experience.
So I'm not sure this will be a terrible idea in terms of crime. I can't speak to traffic, etc.
Agreed. I live about a ten minute walk from the casino at Aqueduct. Everyone was so worried about crime rates and traffic. Honestly, there hasn't been an increase in either. They planned out the casino very well in terms of logistics.
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| Posted 12/31/14 10:30 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by PearlJamChick
Posted by Michelle1110
My first reaction is awesome!
Second reaction - fear of more crime, etc.
So I will add my own anecdote. I teach close to the new Resorts in Queens. As a staff, we were very concerned what this would mean for our families in the community. So far - nothing! We haven't seen any blow back in the area. Just my experience.
So I'm not sure this will be a terrible idea in terms of crime. I can't speak to traffic, etc.
Agreed. I live about a ten minute walk from the casino at Aqueduct. Everyone was so worried about crime rates and traffic. Honestly, there hasn't been an increase in either. They planned out the casino very well in terms of logistics.
Yes, I am unsure why casinos would lead to more crime?
It's not like it's a brothel or a drug den.
Message edited 12/31/2014 10:46:20 AM.
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| Posted 12/31/14 10:44 AM |
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VeeJay
Love baby feet
Member since 2/09 2894 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
My boss lives in the townhouses behind the mall and has been talking about this for a few weeks now.
If anyone is opposed there is a Facebook page - stop the casino at fortunoff.
I also read there will be meetings coming up in January to discuss it all.
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:04 PM |
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Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
My concern is that ITS highly congested there already!
Traffic on a normal day!
Why i havent been in that area for a while!
so less shopping and me spending $ there!
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:35 PM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:36 PM |
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MrsPenthouse
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 924 total posts
Name:
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Please like the "STOP THE CASINO at FORTUNOFF" facebook page. Our local elected officials are silent on this, there have not been any public meetings, it's outrageous.
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:40 PM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by MrsPenthouse
Please like the "STOP THE CASINO at FORTUNOFF" facebook page. Our local elected officials are silent on this, there have not been any public meetings, it's outrageous.
they're probably getting a kickback - The county executive will probably have a sign on the building w/ his name on it - God knows it's everywhere else
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:47 PM |
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MrsPenthouse
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 924 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by MarisaK
Posted by MrsPenthouse
Please like the "STOP THE CASINO at FORTUNOFF" facebook page. Our local elected officials are silent on this, there have not been any public meetings, it's outrageous.
they're probably getting a kickback - The county executive will probably have a sign on the building w/ his name on it - God knows it's everywhere else
I can see it now:
"Ed Mangano Welcomes you to the Casino at Fortuneoff made possible by Ed Mangano"
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:48 PM |
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Seawolf
LIF Adult
Member since 3/14 1336 total posts
Name:
Scrumba
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Will there be table games? Like craps?
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:54 PM |
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MarisaK
HELLO Manolo !!
Member since 5/06 14562 total posts
Name:
Marisa
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by MrsPenthouse
Posted by MarisaK
Posted by MrsPenthouse
Please like the "STOP THE CASINO at FORTUNOFF" facebook page. Our local elected officials are silent on this, there have not been any public meetings, it's outrageous.
they're probably getting a kickback - The county executive will probably have a sign on the building w/ his name on it - God knows it's everywhere else
I can see it now:
"Ed Mangano Welcomes you to the Casino at Fortuneoff made possible by Ed Mangano"
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| Posted 12/31/14 12:55 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
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| Posted 12/31/14 1:01 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
Seriously. I think anyone that buys a million dollar condo next to the mall is a fool. Smithhaven Also has really nice condos next to it. I don't get it!
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| Posted 12/31/14 1:36 PM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by KittyShops
Will there be table games? Like craps?
apparently yes, table games too. my parents live in one of the condo communities close by also.
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| Posted 12/31/14 1:36 PM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
Seriously. I think anyone that buys a million dollar condo next to the mall is a fool. Smithhaven Also has really nice condos next to it. I don't get it!
The one my parents live in is very gated and private. I don't think they're fools, the community has a lot to offer and one of the main draws for them was convenience. The complex is beautiful, as is their unit! Theirs isn't a million dollar unit but there are some in the complex, i'd imagine.
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| Posted 12/31/14 1:39 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by Bearcat
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
Seriously. I think anyone that buys a million dollar condo next to the mall is a fool. Smithhaven Also has really nice condos next to it. I don't get it!
The one my parents live in is very gated and private. I don't think they're fools, the community has a lot to offer and one of the main draws for them was convenience. The complex is beautiful, as is their unit! Theirs isn't a million dollar unit but there are some in the complex, i'd imagine.
Of course it is nice that shopping is convenient. But being convenient also has drawbacks as you are living very close to a place that is zoned for business and not residential. Guess what - businesses are going to come in. If there were no businesses there people would also complain. There isn't any way to make everyone happy.
Same thing for people that live near Sunrise Highway or a main road then complain that 7-11 or a restaurant opens up at the end of their block. What did you expect?
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| Posted 12/31/14 2:28 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by Bearcat
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
Seriously. I think anyone that buys a million dollar condo next to the mall is a fool. Smithhaven Also has really nice condos next to it. I don't get it!
The one my parents live in is very gated and private. I don't think they're fools, the community has a lot to offer and one of the main draws for them was convenience. The complex is beautiful, as is their unit! Theirs isn't a million dollar unit but there are some in the complex, i'd imagine.
Different strokes for different folks I guess! Living next to a mall doesn't seem convenient to me, it just seems like a headache with the traffic and congestion! I imagine they would have to offer some really outstanding amenities to get people to agree to live next to a shopping mall.
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| Posted 12/31/14 2:44 PM |
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FTM427
LIF Adult
Member since 1/12 1261 total posts
Name:
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
The 55 & older community across from Target will probably offer shuttles over to the casino!
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| Posted 12/31/14 2:46 PM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Bearcat
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Blazesyth
Posted by MarisaK
Gross - If I had purchased one of those million dollar condos I'd be LIVID right now .......
Sorry but if you're going to spend that much money you should know not to buy next to a shopping center, as something was going to happen sooner or later.
Seriously. I think anyone that buys a million dollar condo next to the mall is a fool. Smithhaven Also has really nice condos next to it. I don't get it!
The one my parents live in is very gated and private. I don't think they're fools, the community has a lot to offer and one of the main draws for them was convenience. The complex is beautiful, as is their unit! Theirs isn't a million dollar unit but there are some in the complex, i'd imagine.
Different strokes for different folks I guess! Living next to a mall doesn't seem convenient to me, it just seems like a headache with the traffic and congestion! I imagine they would have to offer some really outstanding amenities to get people to agree to live next to a shopping mall.
I didn't mean convenience to shopping - I meant convenience location-wise to their children/grandchildren, as well as near to highways as they travel a good amount. Regardless, they don't see that the proposed casino will change anything for them or their lifestyle. I thought they'd complain about the traffic this time of year but they haven't said a word about it!
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| Posted 12/31/14 3:00 PM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Sounds like a great idea!
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| Posted 12/31/14 3:09 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Did anyone hear about this? Casino is to open at Fortunoff location.
Posted by KittyShops
Will there be table games? Like craps?
I don't think table games are legal in NY unless on an Indian Reservation.
The Resorts World and Aqueduct can't have them for that reason.
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| Posted 12/31/14 3:10 PM |
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