Suffolk County Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. has been working for some time to create a betting parlor in the Islandia Marriott Long Island Hotel. Delaware North is developing the project and along with seeking to gain a special permit to be able to add the casino to the hotel, the developer has also decided to change the parking plan to try and alleviate any issues with traffic in the area due to the project.

In the past, developers were planning on having off-site parking for patrons who visit the casino, which would have been located on the north service road of the Long Island Expressway. Developers now believe that the 600+ parking spaces of the hotel parking lot will be enough for customers of the casino venue.

Previous plans were considering valet parking where guests could arrive and have their vehicles parked somewhere else near the hotel. However, this plan would have increased the traffic in the area once the casino was open. Consultants to the project released a revised environmental assessment last week which stated that the architect of the project was able to find that a portion of the existing area for parking could be used for valet options, allowing all parking to take place on-site.

The new venue is set to include as many as 1,000 video lottery terminals for gaming. Along with the terminals, the venue will also house a racing simulcast facility. A vote was supposed to take place on the permit for the property on the 12th of July but officials of Islandia cancelled this vote after the results of a public hearing from the 5th.

During the public hearings, opponents to the venue brought up potential problems with traffic as well as property values being lowered and an increase in crime. A new date has yet to be set for a vote by city officials but the board of the village is going to hold a work session on the 26th of July. Usually votes are not taken during a work session and only discussions take place of issues that could come up during the next meetings.

Charles Roberts, a spokesman for Delaware North, commented in a statement that the company respects the process of the village board and they understand the process is ongoing. Roberts stated it has been Delaware North’s pleasure to be able to provide the materials necessary to ensure the due diligence of the mayor and trustees with the project.