Nas landed a major win in his hometown as a $5.5 billion casino expansion project he backs in Queens received unanimous approval from a local advisory board, clearing a key hurdle in the race for one of New York’s coveted downstate casino licenses.
The Queens Community Advisory Committee voted 6-0 in favour of the Resorts World New York City expansion near the Aqueduct racetrack, setting the stage for a sprawling entertainment complex that includes a 7,000-seat venue, 2,000 hotel rooms and more than 30 dining spots. Richards’ comment referenced the recent collapse of Jay-Z’s $5.4 billion Times Square casino proposal, which was rejected in a 4-2 vote by Manhattan’s Community Advisory Committee on September 17th.
Nas, who grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, partnered with Resorts World to help shape the development’s community outreach and long-term impact. The plan includes 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of new parkland and upgraded transit connections to JFK Airport and Manhattan. He’s also helping lead a $50 million commitment to launch the Genting Innovation Campus, a wellness center and a STEAM institute aimed at youth in Southeast Queens.