Posting date: July 12, 20,23, 12h48.
Last updated: July 12, 2023 at 01:09h
A rendering of The Coney Casino & Resort. Brooklyn Borough President said that about three-quarters of the residents who commented on the $3 billion project in New York’s Coney Island were against it. (Image: The Coney Casino & Resort)
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s (D) office released the 40-page “Public Engagement Report: Coney Island Casino Proposal” on Tuesday. The report details feedback from more than 200 area residents.
The consortium pitched Coney Island officials and the Brooklyn Borough government a $3 billion project, inclusive of the one-time $500 million licensing fee for the state, called The Coney Casino & Resort. The latest blueprint includes a casino, hotel, a one-acre public park, retail shopping, and multiple restaurants.
Community Concerns
In the casino study review, Reynoso, who has stayed neutral on the casino issue, said about three in four public comments received were against the resort.
The feedback raised concerns about a casino potentially resulting in increased crime, drug and alcohol use, traffic, gambling addiction, and higher rents. Those in the opposition also questioned if their property values might diminish with a casino so close, and also raised worries about the impact an integrated resort could have on nearby businesses.
On the other side, backers of the casino cited more local jobs and a casino possibly making Coney Island a year-round destination as leading causes for their support.
Reynoso said the public engagement findings have been sent to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board to help the state agency decide where the three downstate casino licenses will be awarded. Reynoso hopes the Thor consortium will review the findings and improve their bid. Those seats are to be appointed by the governor, mayor of New York City, applicable New York State senator and assemblyperson, applicable borough president, and an applicable city councilor.
Touting Benefits
Hearing criticism of The Coney, the Thor consortium recently debuted a website to promote the benefits the resort could deliver to the Brooklyn neighborhood. The website, RevitalizeConey.com, claims a casino would be “New York’s new beacon of economic opportunity.”
The developers say the resort would create thousands of new jobs, generate new local tax money, and provide the region with an overall economic trigger. As for the public feedback, the development entity will consider all input, the website explains.
“Our team is committed to being good neighbors and better community members. RevitalizeConey.com explains that listening to what you have to say and making sure this project improves Coney Island is part of the process. “We listen to the community and take their concerns into account, whether it’s more parking or increased safety.