Hip Hop 50 Live
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 11: Nas performs [+]
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Resorts World Casino New York City has revealed a $5 billion expansion plan to redevelop the establishment into a full-fledged, Las Vegas-style casino in collaboration with Queens rap legend, Nas. The plan will also include the refinement of the Jamaica, Queens neighborhood granting a promising future for the staple neighborhood.
The plan proposes to create an array of new amenities, including 1,600 new hotel rooms to the existing Hyatt Regency at JFK Airport, a 7,000-seat entertainment space, a dance club, and a spa, US Bets reports.
Genting America East, the parent corporation of Resorts World, plans to shell out 3,000 employee housing units, and 10 acres of a new community park alongside improved transportation options to John F. Kennedy Airport, according to Commercial Observer.
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The announcement took place on Thursday at the Southeast Queens casino, brewing a promising future for the New York City borough as it projects to be the construction of one of the largest casinos globally, spanning 350,000 square feet.
“When we stood here more than a dozen years ago to break ground on Resorts World New York City, our vision extended well beyond that already-ambitious original plan — today, that vision can soon become a reality,” Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting America East, shared in a statement
Queens-native hip-hop icon Nas attended the announcement of the expansion and showed enthusiasm for the project’s ability to create chances for families in the local area and draw talent to Queens.
Nas expressed his support for the inspiring initiative in a captivating Instagram video.
This is an ambitious project that will give new opportunities to the hard-working families who call Queens home, attract top-tier talent and build up the next generation of leaders. Clearly, with this project, the world is ours,” captioned Nas.
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In the spirit of “Queens Get The Money,” the collaboration between Resorts World and Nas for the redevelopment plan is a strategic move. They aim to secure one of only three $500 million downstate casino licenses available in New York. To evolve into a full-fledged Las Vegas-style casino, Resorts World needs to acquire these downstate licenses, as they currently hold a “race-ino” license that allows them to operate solely racing and slot machines.
The local community board has no objections to the initiative due to its positive impact on the Jamacia, Queens neighborhood since its 2011 coming.
“Resorts World New York City came into our community more than a dozen years ago, and every day since has been a dedicated neighbor who shows up, hears our feedback, and responds to our needs,” “stated Betty Braton, the chair of Queens Community Board 10, in the statement. “They have been with us in good times and tough times ever since, giving both financial support and their time to this community. I know this partnership will only continue as Resorts World answers the immediate needs but also presents a vision for the future
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The backing of the local board brings optimism for a possible favorable outcome from the New York Gaming Commission as they consider license bids. Rivals in this competition are SL Green Realty’sSLG 0.0% potential Times Square casino and Ceasars Entertainment partnering with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, setting up a potentially intense battle between these two influential players
The Related Companies aim to establish at Hudson Yards with Wynn Resorts, while groups Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, The Chickasaw Nation, and Legends target a prospective facility in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The vicinity of Citi Field in Queens is the focus of a gambling house by Point72 Asset Management’s Steve Cohen, while the Soloviev Group plans to team up with Mohegan for an entertainment district by the United Nations.
Nas has emerged as one of the most entrepreneurially conscious artists from one of hip-hop’s most prized eras, the ‘90s phenomenon. From his investment company QueensBridge Venture Partners, cigar label Escobar Cigars, to media firm Mass Appeal and beyond, Nas reigns as not only one of hip-hop’s greatest emcees, but stands as a cultural tycoon.
