Garden City residents expressed their concerns about a proposal to bring a casino to the Nassau Coliseum area on Wednesday.

A meeting was held in Garden City to discuss Las Vegas Sands' attempt to build a casino at the Nassau Hub.

The Nevada-based casino and resort company hopes to get approval from the state, but before that they need to gain control of the site. They also need to purchase Nassau Coliseum's lease.

If an agreement is reached, the Legislature will then need to grant approval.

At the meeting, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says he is keeping an open mind to the proposed project.

"This is just one step in many and it's not a done deal by any stretch of the imagination," Blakeman says.

Some, like John Chiara, say a casino wouldn't be a good fit for the community. He is raising three children and started a group called "Say No to the Casino."

"I've been to casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and I like to go to them - but I don't want to live next to one," Chiara says.

Others who came out raised concerns about traffic and safety.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says his police force will handle both issues once they understand what is going to be needed.

Ron Reese, senior vice president of Global Communications and Corporate Affairs for the Las Vegas Sands released a statement to News 12, saying, "We are very appreciative of the support we've received from the residents of Garden City and the surrounding areas. We look forward to continuing those discussions and sharing ideas with Long Islanders as we develop our bid for a world-class, flagship resort and entertainment center for Long Island."

Blakeman says although the casino could bring an economic boom to the area, he heard the concerns and plans to meet with more residents in the coming weeks.