ICELAND, NY — The proposed $200 million expansion of Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel made headlines Tuesday night when Icelandic officials approved initial plans for the Suffolk OTB site.
The OTB plans to construct a 110,000-square-foot building north of the existing hotel and casino.
Phil Boyle, president and chief executive of Suffolk OTB, said the organization was “excited” by the initial approval and that Iceland’s “cautiously optimistic” officials would grant final approval on Aug. 1.
“We have addressed most, if not all, of the considerations of our neighbors and village officials,” Boyle told Patch. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with them as we head into a major expansion. “
The OTB plans to raise 1,400 parking spaces for a total of 2,000, in addition to a three-storey garage.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a law in January that would allow Jake’s 58 to double its video lottery terminals from 1,000 to 2,000 machines. The OTB plans to move 500 of the terminals from the old construction to the new one.
The OTB also plans to renovate the hotel’s 210 “dated” rooms, raise a level of concierge, bridal suites, an ultra lounge and an upscale bar, Boyle said.
Jake’s 58 eating spot will be converted into a sports bar, as Suffolk OTB officials hope to institute a sportsbook. The new construction will space out a food corridor with mid- and high-level eating spots, according to Boyle.
The Suffolk OTB has two offers: structure and financing. Boyle said he expects a shovel to be ready for the hotel-casino expansion by November so it can be completed by the end of 2025.
The OTB is building a 10-foot acoustic damper after Boyle said he heard Delaware North, the former owner of Jake’s 58, promise a noise wall by educating nearby residents.
“And what have they put in position but a chain-link fence?It’s not exactly a wall of noise, is it?” said Boyle earlier.
Boyle promised a 10-foot high-tech wall with genuine soundproofing and greenery on both sides. It is expected to charge $1. 25 million, and Boyle expects the wall to be built early in the prospective expansion procedure for neighbors from the structure’s noise.
Boyle is a former New York State Senator, Republican in Bay Shore. He did not seek re-election in November 2022.
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