By Hank Russell
Local village officials as well as representatives from Suffolk Regional OTB and Jake’s 58 joined members of the construction firm Aurora Construction and Ironworkers Local 361 on November 22 in signing the symbolic steel beam that later went up to signify the final beam being placed as part of the casino’s ongoing expansion project.
Those in attendance signed their names on the beam, then watched it be raised up and fitted onto a recently completed structure.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, Jake’s 58 broke ground on a $210 million expansion. This includes 110,000 square feet of new casino space, the renovation of 210 hotel rooms, upscale restaurants and lounges, a sports book, a spa, a sound barrier and increasing the number of parking spots, from 600 to 2,000.
Barney Reilly, Aurora’s vice president of construction, said the first phase of the project is expected to be completed in April 2026. The second phase, which will comprise of “doing upgrades” and “updates to the interior of the building,” is slated for completion in 2027.
“This is a big milestone in this construction project,” said Suffolk Regional OTB President Phil Boyle. “Those of us were amazed at how quickly it’s going up and [the construction workers] are doing a great job.” Boyle also thanked Islandia Village Mayor Allan M. Dorman for his support.
Michael A. Bondakar, Jake’s 58’s general manager and chief gaming and hospitality officer, said this event of signing and raising the beam is symbolic. “A lot of companies make sure the building is blessed in some ways and and I think this has a great future,” he said. “It’s very symbolic and will bring us prosperity into the future.”
“We’re making great progress,” Boyle added. “Onto the future!”