Hip-Hop icon Nas has partnered with Resorts World New York City on a $5 billion casino expansion in queens. The vision of Aqueduct Park is to transform the casino in Nas’ hometown, into a full-fledged establishment that mirrors the company’s properties in Las Vegas.
Hip-hop icon Nas has teamed up with Resorts World New York City in a monumental $5 billion expansion plan for a casino in Queens. This visionary project, known as Aqueduct Park, aims to elevate the casino into a world-class destination, drawing inspiration from the company’s renowned properties in Las Vegas.
The centerpiece of the expansion is the transformation of the casino floor, which will expand to an impressive 350,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in the world. But Aqueduct Park is not just about gaming; it encompasses a holistic approach to community development. Plans include the construction of 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of new park space, and improved transit connections to JFK Airport and Manhattan.
In a statement, Nas conveyed his excitement about the project’s potential to positively impact Queens and its residents.
“This ambitious project will create new opportunities for hard-working families, attract top talent, and nurture the next generation of leaders,” he remarked. “With Aqueduct Park, we’re poised to seize the world.”
The announcement also included a significant commitment from Resorts World New York City, with $50 million pledged as startup funding for the Genting Innovation Campus. This innovative hub will house the Kenny “The Jet” Smith Academy, a Community Health and Wellness Center, a Queen’s STEAM Institute, a new entertainment venue, Greenspace, luxury hotel, and Conference Center. An additional $20 million has been earmarked for related initiatives across New York.
Basketball legend Kenny “The Jet” Smith, currently the host of “NBA Today,” voiced his support for the redevelopment project. “Resorts World’s dedication to nurturing tomorrow’s athletes and leaders, both on and off the court, is commendable,” Smith declared. “Through the Academy, we aim to impart not only athletic skills but also the broader social, economic, and cultural impacts of sports to the next generation.”
Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting America East, emphasized that the expansion across the “Empire State” represents the next chapter in the company’s growth and commitment to community engagement. “When we broke ground on Resorts World New York City over a decade ago, our vision extended far beyond that initial plan,” DeSalvio reflected. “Today, that vision is on the cusp of becoming a reality.”
The partnership between Nas and Resorts World signifies more than just a casino expansion; it’s a catalyst for holistic urban renewal. Aqueduct Park promises to redefine the Queens skyline while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. As the project progresses, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration between entertainment, business, and community leaders.
Aqueduct Park symbolizes a new era of development for Queens, blending entertainment, economic growth, and community empowerment. With Nas and Resorts World at the helm, the project is poised to become a beacon of progress and opportunity in Southeast Queens. As construction begins, anticipation grows for the realization of this ambitious vision and its profound impact on the region.
