| Photos: Shelley Wax |
| Now that the Shinnecock Indian Nation has jumped dissent hurdles and been named the 565th federally recognized tribe in the US, it’s time to talk business. Last week, members of the Shinnecock Gaming Authority told 150 execs at Long Island Real Estate Group’s breakfast at the Cold Spring Country Club that they’d like to build three Connecticut-style casinos on LI—one near their reservation in the Hamptons, another in central Suffolk County, and a third in Nassau. Above, Shinnecock Gaming Authority’s Joan Williams, Philip Brown, Karen Hunter, Barre Hamp, and Donna Collins-Smith say that they haven’t decided on any sites yet or the size and scope of any casino projects, although the tribe owns about 900 acres in Southhampton and Hampton Bays, and published reports have hinted at potential sites in Riverhead, Brookhaven, and Uniondale. |
| First Development Corp.’s David Einbinder (LIREG prez), Karen, Philip, Wachtler Knopf Equities’ Philip Wachtler, Baree, Donna, and Lazer, Aptheker, Rosella & Yedid’s Samuel Yedid. The officials said they hope to reach a compact with NYS similar to one with the Seneca tribe, which allowed three casinos: in Niagara Falls,Salamanca, and Buffalo Creek. The potential impact? Thousands of jobs to Long Island’s construction and tourism industries, tax revenue, and a rise in property prices, they point out. Senaca’s casinos employ more than 3.5k people, and together account for more than 6.5k slot machines, 140 table games, 800 hotel rooms, and other related amenities. The proposed casinos would not pay local real estate taxes, but would share revenues under a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with the state, which would share its portion with localities. The tribe’s partner in its gaming ventures is Detroit-based Gateway Casino Resorts. |
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