Plan for Nassau casino sparks anger

Casino gaming on Long Island could become a reality if some officials have it their way but not everyone is in favor of the proposal that some say could generate millions of dollars for Nassau County each year. 

Nassau Regional Off Track Betting has picked the former Fortunoff building on Old Country Road in Westbury for a gaming parlor with restaurants.

Westbury Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro is against the idea, even though it's not in his jurisdiction. He says his residents would be directly impacted.

But officials from Nassau OTB say the casino itself would only occupy 15 percent of the building including 1,000 video slot machines and table games. The rest would be restaurants and a food court. A statement to Fox 5 reads in part: "This facility provides a centralized location with ample parking and easy access to major thoroughfares as required by the New York State Gaming Commission."

Some local residents told Fox 5 it doesn't belong there and that they fear increased traffic and crime.

The issue has even taken to social media with a Facebook page called Stop the Casino at Fortunoff. It has more than 1,700 likes.

Mayor Cavallaro plans on holding a closed-door meeting with some elected officials in the coming days, followed by an open-door forum with local community members shortly thereafter.