Heated debates are brewing within the community over the prospect of building a Coney Island casino, as evidenced by the intense emotions at recent public hearings.
This week's gathering at the Coney Island YMCA gym drew hundreds of residents, filling the space with chants and signs expressing strong opinions on both sides. Slogans like “Stop the Phoney” and “Yes to The Coney” encapsulated the divided sentiment.
Why Are People Against the Coney Island Casino Project?
Community coalitions, citing concerns like traffic congestion and threats to Coney Island's historic attractions, are vigorously campaigning against the casino's construction.
Ann Valdez, a local resident, vocally opposed the development, told CBS 2 News, “At the end of the day, you go home to your comfortable place. We stay here. This is our house. Leave it alone.” Critics argue that the casino could jeopardize local businesses and erode the unique character of Coney Island.
Others Like the Idea of a Casino on Coney Island
Supporters of the casino focus on the positive economic impact and job opportunities it could bring. Barbara McFadden, a resident leader from the NYCHA Sheepshead Bay Houses, expressed her support by saying, "I love Atlantic City, but Coney Island is Brooklyn, and Brooklyn is my home. Why can't we have a casino here?"
During their 20-minute presentation, developers faced interruptions from the vocal crowd. Despite this, they stressed that the casino would greatly boost the local economy. Their design plans show a modern, strong complex with various amenities, and they claimed it would become the biggest employer in the area.
They added that it would create programs to help people improve job skills and offer many new opportunities. To increase local hiring, a job portal will be available exclusively to Coney Island residents for the first 90 days.
What Is the Current Status of the Coney Island Casino Project?
Although the New York City Planning Commission gave its nod to The Coney, the green light from the city is merely one step in a longer journey.
The project still awaits a crucial decision: securing one of the three coveted downstate New York casino licenses.
This decision, to be made by the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, is scheduled for the end of December 2025. Among the eight development proposals under consideration, The Coney stands as Brooklyn's sole contender.
Should the project proceed, The Coney promises to be a $3 billion marvel, featuring a casino, hotel, convention center, and retail spaces within a 1.3 million square foot facility.
The developers have pledged $200 million towards a local community fund. Measures to ease traffic congestion include public transit incentives, while additional investments aim to bolster public safety. The development assures family-friendly zones at ground level, with stringent access control to the gaming areas for minors.
Who Will Make The Final Political and Regulatory Decisions on the Project?
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of prominent city and state officials and holds significant sway over the project's advancement.
A two-thirds majority vote is required within the CAC to propel the proposal to the state board for final licensing consideration.
The political landscape is fraught with diverse stances, including Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny's explicit opposition to the casino plan.
When Would The Coney Plan Be Approved?
As discussions continue, the path forward is marked by key deadlines.
The final decision on casino licenses is anticipated by December 31, 2025. Meanwhile, hearings and votes by the Advisory Committee are set throughout the fall, fueling extensive public engagement and ongoing discourse.
The outcome will determine whether Coney Island's landscape will be forever altered by this ambitious venture.
The bottom line is that the plan to build a sprawling casino on Coney Island is progressing through its procedural phases, but community reactions and regulatory hurdles significantly shape its future trajectory. Only time will tell.
