The Riverhead region wants nothing to do with casino gaming, as it had been recently gone over by the Town Board. This week saw a conversation on the topic, making it clear once again that a potential casino establishment has no place in the area of the community. Councilman Tim Hubbard pointed out that there is no conversation regarding the subject.
A casino venue comes with its inevitable impact on the host community that allows its construction. It has its positive sides, such as the gaming revenue allocations to the city coffers it makes as a compensation for the gambling operation. Individuals hailing from host communities have also expressed their concerns in the past that gambling leads to increased criminal activity in its region.
Casino Worries
This might be the reason why Riverhead residents want nothing to do with gambling establishments regardless of their scale of operation. It does not matter whether it is a casino venue we are talking about or a gambling hall, people hailing from the region fret over the idea of a company possibly making a move in their region. This week saw a special meeting airing concerns regarding this issue.
Local John McAuliff stated that he had the chance to inspect Riverhead’s contract for sale with Calverton Aviation and Technology. The company wants to purchase some 1,600 acres from the town and this transaction would cost some US$40 million. He wanted to see whether this move could possibly result in the construction of a casino venue in the upcoming years following the closing of the deal.
As he put it during the meeting on September 22, the documents he reviewed could make it possible for the company to build a casino venue and bring a well-rounded operation with the permit needed. The documents state that the company making the purchase has the right to redevelop the 1,600 acres in question in accordance with the Planned Development zoning district.
Town Board Confirms Position
In the past, the conversation has been on the table and Calverton Aviation and Technology has made it clear that a casino venue construction is not in their plans for the property. The Enterprise Park at Calverton is going to focus on technology and aviation for the most part. Still, Mr. McAuliff made it clear that there is no zoning permit that could stop the company from building a casino within the upcoming project.
All five board members confirmed their previous position that a casino venue is not welcome in Riverhead’s region. There has been speculation earlier this year linked to the Shinnecock Indian Nation looking for the right area for their tribal casino location. This would happen in collaboration with Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment and developer Tri-State Partners.
The beginning of this month saw the Native American tribe make a move solidifying its desire to see Class III gaming overseen by it. It would bring table gaming along with Vegas-style gambling. Projections are that the Town Board would not allow this to happen at the EPCAL and instead focus on introducing more new job positions to the region.
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