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In the heart of Coney Island, a $3.4 billion casino and entertainment development proposal, dubbed The Coney, is stirring up controversy. The project, which seeks to revitalize one of New York's most storied neighborhoods, is facing a wave of community concerns and skepticism.
The developers of The Coney face a delicate balancing act: convincing residents that economic revitalization can coexist with community representation. The Community Advisory Committee (CAC), tasked with reviewing the proposal and gauging local sentiment, has seen more pushback for The Coney's proposal compared to other casino bids.
The main points of resistance focus on heavy traffic increase and inadequate local road and parking capacity, potential negative impact on the residential and tourism balance of Coney Island, and community advisory committee skepticism and pushback during review meetings. According to the Environmental Impact Statement submitted with the application, the casino is expected to attract about 8 million visitors annually, which would significantly increase traffic on local roads that are not currently equipped to handle such volumes. This influx could overwhelm existing parking facilities and local infrastructure.
Local residents and community advisory committee members have expressed reservations about the scale of the project and its potential to disrupt daily life. The scale and ambition of The Coney are hard to ignore, with its backers arguing that the proposal is not just a casino, but a revitalization effort for Coney Island.
In response to these concerns, the project backers have pledged substantial investments aimed at addressing public safety and community development. These include a $75 million fund over five years dedicated to enhancing police, fire, and emergency medical services, as well as a $200 million community trust fund to support local projects such as boardwalk improvements and workforce development initiatives.
However, these commitments have not fully quelled the community's apprehension. CAC member Marissa Solomon, a Coney Island resident and cultural advocate, has emerged as a prominent critic during the Q&A portion of the meeting. Solomon challenged the developers on job allocation and diversity pledges, noting that only 9% of the proposed jobs were earmarked for Coney Island residents.
The developers of The Coney must secure at least two-thirds CAC approval by September 30 to stay in the running. Each committee must also host at least two public hearings before making a final decision. The future of The Coney and perhaps of Coney Island itself hangs in the balance, as whether the message of economic revitalization lands with the community will determine the project's fate.
Meanwhile, The Coney is vying against several other proposals, including projects in Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The Bally's Bronx bid, one of The Coney's presumed competitors, appeared to be eliminated earlier this month after a failed rezoning vote, but was revived by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday by vetoing the council's decision, sending it back for reconsideration.
The battle for Coney Island's future continues, with the community's voice playing a crucial role in shaping its destiny. Public meetings are ongoing to gather more feedback before the committee's vote, which will be a decisive moment not just for The Coney, but for the heart of Brooklyn.
- The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has seen more pushback for The Coney's sports betting, online casino, and poker proposals compared to other casino bids.
- In response to concerns about the potential impact on lifestyle and residential balance, the developers of The Coney have pledged investments in community development, including a $200 million community trust fund for projects like sports facilities and workforce development initiatives.
- Besides The Coney, other sports and casino-and-gambling proposals are also in contention, such as the Bally's Bronx bid, which was recently revived by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
