The fervor surrounding the proposed Coney Island casino, known as The Coney, continues as local residents and organizations rally against the development. Despite the opposition, the New York City Council has moved the project forward, approving rezoning measures needed for the casino's construction, a decision reported by the Brooklyn Paper. The rezoning permits the demapping of part of Bowery Street, acquisition of air rights, and construction of three high-rise towers and two pedestrian bridges. However, the fate of The Coney still hinges on the state's awarding of one of three available downstate casino licenses.
On the ground in Brooklyn, the controversy is palpable. Longtime Coney Island residents like Ronald Stewart argue that a casino does not align with the economic needs of the community. "If you're inside a casino, you're not coming out to help the businesses on Mermaid Avenue, which are mom-and-pop businesses," Stewart said in an interview obtained by CBS News New York. Residents fear increased crime, traffic, and damage to historical buildings from the casino's development. These concerns are echoed by groups such as Coney Islanders Against the Casino, spearheaded by local father Kouichi Shirayanagi, and by Adam Rinn, who called the recent city council vote "extremely disappointing" in a statement reported by the Brooklyn Paper.
Contrasting this, some residents see The Coney as a boon for local employment and entertainment, especially during the non-summer months. Julia Daniely, from nearby NYCHA Carey Gardens, believes the casino brings needed year-round jobs and activity, expressing her support by getting the casino's logo tattooed on her arm, as noted by CBS News New York. Community support is also found in the development team's promises of a $200 million community trust fund and a substantial number of permanent jobs.
With both sides of the debate digging in,, the state's Gaming Facility Location Board will play a pivotal role in determining The Coney's future. A total of eight applications for casino licenses are currently under review, and only those with two-thirds support from their respective Community Advisory Committee will advance. Each committee is conducting public hearings and must conclude their assessments by September 30, ahead of the Board's decision expected by year's end, according to details shared by the Brooklyn Paper.
