Shinnecock casino plan wins 2 supporters

The Shinnecock Indian Nation has won two new influential supporters in its plans for a casino at Belmont Park while advancing a separate plan in Suffolk County. The only wrinkle: The tribe was surprised to hear a Nassau Coliseum could be part of the Belmont plan.

In recent weeks, Reps. Peter King (R-Seaford) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) backed the concept of a casino at Belmont. King "supports the development of a gaming facility at Belmont Park, which will provide jobs, generate public revenues and stimulate Long Island's economy," spokesman Kevin Fogarty said. "He would support the Shinnecock Indian Nation developing this facility."

Shinnecock tribal chairman Randy King said, "The growing bipartisan support for a Shinnecock casino at Belmont is further proof that this project can generate thousands of jobs and real revenues for the state, Nassau County and the Shinnecock Nation sooner than later."

On Tuesday, Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz floated a proposal to build a new Coliseum at Belmont Park. The arena, a Shinnecock casino and the race track itself could form the basis for a sports-entertainment complex, according to supporters of the concept.

The tribe, which views Belmont as a prime location for a casino and has worked to garner community support, as of Thursday said it had not been approached about the plan, which Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano is reviewing.

"We know nothing about it," said tribal spokeswoman Beverly Jensen. "We have no comment on something we know nothing about. No one has approached us."

The Shinnecocks have expressed an interest in opening up to three casinos in the state, including one each in Nassau and Suffolk. Several sites in Suffolk remain on the table, including a former Estee Lauder warehouse in Yaphank off the Long Island Expressway. Jensen acknowledged the tribe has examined the site, but said, "We have not made a decision."

Suffolk Legis. Wayne Horsley (D-Lindenhurst), who as head of a gaming commission has been advocating for a Suffolk casino, said, "I think Estee Lauder is the game, and sooner rather than later is preferable."

Horsley said he was "comfortable with both Belmont and Estee Lauder sites moving in tandem" as the tribe prepares to negotiate a contract with the state over locations and revenue sharing.