Nassau County executive Edward P Mangano has unveiled plans for a sports-entertainment destination complex, which would include an arena and minor league ballpark.

Local residents will be given the opportunity to decide the fate of the project in a referendum on 1 August, which forms part of the Economic Development and Job Creation Plan. The poll will also give voters the chance to determine the future of New York Islanders team, which may have to leave Nassau County if the new sports arena is not pursued.

It is anticipated that, if approved by the electorate, work will commence on the development in 2012, with a view to opening the new complex by the end of 2015. Mangano said: "Without a new arena, we will lose the Islanders, shutter the aging Coliseum and besides losing present jobs, will lose the currently substantial economic benefits including all the existing arena and secondary jobs."

Meanwhile, Mangano also announced that plans for a new Indian gaming casino at Belmont Park are to be pursued alongside New York State Senators Dean Skelos and Jack Martins.