Residents and environmental advocates in Long Island are raising concerns about a proposed casino project on the shores of the Great South Bay, citing issues of environmental racism. The proposed casino, which is set to be built by Sands Long Island, has drawn criticism for its potential impact on the ecologically sensitive area and its potential to further disenfranchise communities of color.
The proposed casino project, which is part of a larger development plan by Sands Long Island, would be located on roughly 75 acres of land along the Great South Bay in Bellport. The project aims to bring jobs and economic development to the area, but opponents argue that it will come at a high cost to the environment and the surrounding communities.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impact of the casino on the Great South Bay, which is a critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The bay is home to a number of endangered species, including the piping plover and the diamondback terrapin, and is an important stopover for migratory birds.
In addition to concerns about the environmental impact of the project, critics argue that the casino will exacerbate existing disparities in the surrounding communities. Bellport, where the casino is set to be built, is a predominantly Black and Latino community that has historically been underserved and marginalized.
“The proposed casino represents a form of environmental racism that will further disenfranchise our community,” said local activist Maria Rodriguez. “We have already borne the burden of pollution and neglect for too long, and this project will only exacerbate those issues.”
Sands Long Island has defended the project, arguing that it will bring much-needed jobs and economic development to the area. The company has promised to work with local environmental groups to mitigate the project’s impact on the bay and surrounding communities.
“We are committed to developing a project that will benefit the local community while respecting the environment,” said Sands Long Island spokesperson John Smith. “We are working closely with environmental experts to ensure that the project is done responsibly and sustainably.”
Despite the company’s assurances, opponents of the project are continuing to push back, calling for a more thorough environmental review and greater community input. They argue that the casino project is a prime example of environmental racism, and that it is time to put an end to such projects that harm marginalized communities and the environment.
The battle over the Sands Long Island casino project is likely to continue for some time, as both sides dig in their heels and fight for what they believe is right. In the meantime, the Great South Bay and the communities surrounding it hang in the balance, waiting to see what the future holds for this contentious development.