The first public hearing for a proposed Coney Island casino in New York created a fiery rift between supporters and naysayers.
The project, known simply as “The Coney,” was met with chants of both “Stop the Phoney” and “Yes to The Coney” from attendees.
Key Takeaways
- The meeting included a 20-minute presentation from developers
- Residents have cited concerns of crime, traffic, and infrastructural limitations
- A supporter said the casino would bring new jobs and stabilize the season-based economy
The $3.4 billion project is one of eight that are bidding to receive one of three available New York casino operators’ licenses. Recipients of the licenses will be announced before the end of the year.
Tuesday’s public comment period gave locals their first opportunity to present their feelings in front of a six-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that will vote in September to recommend or reject the project. Those who turned out for the meeting, held at a Coney Island YMCA gym, had split opinions over the casino’s merits.
“I can't connect a casino with progress,” said local resident Rachel Morrison.
“I love Atlantic City, but Coney Island is Brooklyn, and Brooklyn is my home,” said Barbara McFadden, resident leader of the NYCHA Sheepshead Bay Houses. “Why we can't have a casino here?”
The meeting went on throughout the day, with some guests waiting hours to share their thoughts on the potentially groundbreaking project.
“What we're really being asked is to accept a future where our streets are privatized, our residents are displaced, and everything that makes Coney Island ours is traded for the profit of the developer,” said Roman, a local resident.
Weighing the trade-offs
One of the biggest concerns shared by nearby residents and stakeholders is that a casino would disrupt the general way of life. That includes increases in crime and traffic, among other changes.
“At the end of the day, you go home to your comfortable place,” said Ann Valdez, a New York City Housing Authority resident in Coney Island. "We stay here. This is our house. Leave it alone.”
One resident also discussed the infrastructural problem that exists, which would be exacerbated by a popular casino.
"People have literally died waiting for an ambulance,” said Brighton Beach resident Ida Sanoff. “They just can't get around the geography problem. The infrastructure is outdated. The electrical system is outdated.”
However, members of the casino’s leadership believe that they would bring positive changes to the area. Part of that would come from a massive influx of jobs, which is a problem besetting many throughout the Island.
“Seventeen percent unemployment is what we’re facing today,” said the COO of Thor Holdings, Melissa Gliatta. The company is involved in the project.
Gliatta was part of a 20-minute presentation that was often interrupted by jeers from the crowd. “What we heard in the over 500 meetings that we did throughout the community was ‘We don’t want just jobs, we want careers’ … and we’re here to provide that,” she said.
Randy Peers, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said to CBS News New York's Hannah Kliger that the casino would make Coney Island a “12-month-a-year destination.” He also said the casino would rejuvenate the economy, which is heavily influenced by the season and time of year.
Vote coming next month
Developers said during the meeting that the casino would include a 25,000 square-foot entertainment space, at least 20 world-class restaurants, and 116,000 square feet of convention space.
The CAC – which consists of Councilmember Justin Brannan (D), state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D), Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (D), and representatives for Assemblymember Alex Brook-Krasny (R), Mayor Eric Adams (D), and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) will hold a second hearing – will meet for a second hearing before it holds its vote on Sept. 30.
If approved, the proposal will advance to the Gaming Facility Location Board for a final vote.
