Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced she and her Assembly colleague Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) have introduced legislation that would give local communities a say on whether or not casinos should be built there. This important measure is supported by members both upstate and downstate, has bipartisan support in the Assembly, and is sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger and Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk in the State Senate.

“While casinos have the potential to increase tourism, promote economic development and create jobs they may also have serious negative impacts – economic and social – on their host community and the surrounding area,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Casinos should not be externally imposed on any community; local support is essential. It is vital that we give communities a voice and let them decide if they want to host a casino.”

“A casino has an enormous impact on a community. It’s wrong to deny a community the right to use local zoning or similar tools to protect itself,” said Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried.

Specifically this legislation would require that municipalities first pass laws or resolutions in support of building a casino before it can be approved. Additionally, this bill ensures any approved casino would adhere to local land use and zoning laws and that construction complies with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

It was reported that next month the state siting board is scheduled to begin taking applications for four new casinos. Communities that are potential sites for casinos will be significantly impacted if chosen by the siting board and therefore local input is essential to this process. In a Home Rule state like New York, communities should be the ones who ultimately decide whether or not they have a casino in their backyard, added Assemblymember Barrett.

“Before decisions are made, it’s vital to answer all concerns and ensure that local residents agree to have a casino and casino gaming in their community,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “I will continue to work to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.”