On Monday, the New York City Council voted to approve a rezoning proposal that paves the way for a major casino development in Coney Island.
The approval came with a vote of 36-11 and four abstentions, indicating significant support for the project despite some community opposition.
The venture, known as The Coney, is led by Joe Sitt’s Thor Equities, and will involve demapping a section of Bowery Street and acquiring air rights above existing streets and buildings. This allows for the construction of three high-rise towers and two pedestrian bridges in a historic area known as the People’s Playground.
“Today’s vote continues to show that the more people learn about our project and the benefits it will bring, the more they like it,” said Melissa Gliatta, COO of Thor Equities, following the vote.
She added, “We now move one step closer to fulfilling a promise of economic transformation for Coney Island that includes the creation of thousands of jobs and a $200 million locally led community trust fund.”
However, this vote does not guarantee the establishment of The Coney. The developers are still in competition for one of three Downstate casino licenses, with their application submitted last week to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board.
The final decisions regarding the licenses will not occur until the end of this year, leaving The Coney’s plans in a state of uncertainty.
In the interim, each application, including The Coney’s, will be examined by a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising six members appointed by local elected officials.
These committees will host at least two public hearings and must cast a final vote on the applications by September 30. Only proposals that receive support from at least two-thirds of the CAC will be forwarded to the state Board for consideration.
Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents the area, emphasized that the decision on the casino will not rest solely on his shoulders.
“Trust me, I would much rather have Coney Islanders organize for what they want than feel like they must fight for what they don’t want,” Brannan stated.
He further added that it is essential for all stakeholders to have their opinions represented during the Community Advisory Committee process mandated by the state.
Opposition to the casino project remains strong among many Coney Island residents.
In January, Community Board 13 overwhelmingly voted against the rezoning proposal, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced conditional support in March that took into account community feedback.
Meanwhile, Council Member Inna Vernikov, who represents parts of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, cast her vote against the rezoning, citing community concerns.
“This demapping makes the casino application and proposed development more likely to take place,” Vernikov explained. “Therefore, I must vote against it, as over the past many months and at this point years, it has become clear that a majority in the community do not want a casino in Coney Island.”
If the developers receive the necessary license, the proposed casino would feature three towers ranging from 153 to 402 feet tall, along with two pedestrian bridges spanning Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street.
The overall development is projected to encompass more than 1.3 million square feet and include a 500-room hotel, a convention center, retail spaces, and parking for 1,500 vehicles.
Despite the ambitious plans, the developers have assured that the area’s renowned theme parks, Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel, will remain intact.
Supporters of The Coney argue that the project would generate significant local employment, providing 4,000 union construction jobs and 4,500 permanent jobs upon completion.
They also propose a substantial commitment to the community, including a $200 million Community Trust Fund for local projects and a separate $15 million annual fund aimed at supporting local emergency services.
Joseph Watson, a local resident, expressed his support for the project back in January, highlighting the need for investments and job opportunities in the area.
“My ‘yes’ to The Coney is for the investments in our community,” Watson stated at the time. “I’m talking about the kids and the young men and women that live in NYCHA, that are renters. These people, my people, we need an opportunity.”
However, dissenting voices like Adam Rinn, artistic director at Coney Island USA, believe the casino project poses a threat to local businesses.
His organization, which includes the Circus Sideshow, Coney Island Museum, Freak Bar, and the Mermaid Parade, is located on one of the rezoned blocks.
Reflecting on the council’s vote, Rinn expressed his disappointment: “It’s disappointing that we have elected officials who are here to represent the people. Their constituents should come first, not developers with deep pockets.”
Rinn emphasized the strength of opposition, citing over 20,000 signatures gathered against the casino project.
“The nerve of these elected officials to ignore this, it’s astounding,” he added. “This is not a project that is here to help; this is a project that is set to destroy.”
Nonetheless, Rinn remains hopeful that the community’s passion against the project may lead to favorable outcomes in the future.
“If the gaming license were denied, the rezoning would automatically be overturned, which would prevent the developers from using the decision for any other facility construction,” he noted.
As the community awaits final decisions on the gaming licenses, the debate surrounding The Coney and its potential impact on Coney Island will continue to unfold.
image source from：brooklynpaper
