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Coney Island's Casino Project Moves Forward, Facing Community Scrutiny
The Coney casino and entertainment development in Brooklyn is currently under review by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC), a critical step in New York Stateβs process for awarding one of three downstate casino licenses. The project, worth $3.4 billion, is a five-acre mixed-use complex that includes a casino, hotel, entertainment venue, restaurants, retail space, a convention center, and more.
The developers of The Coney, backed by Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends Hospitality, have emphasized their commitment to addressing local challenges such as the area's high unemployment rate, public safety improvements, and making Coney Island a year-round destination.
However, the project has faced scrutiny from CAC members and community members alike. Concerns include skepticism about the actual economic benefits, particularly job quality and diversity in hiring. Questions have also been raised about the project's impact on the local community and diversity, and whether it will meaningfully serve existing residents and contribute positively to the social and economic fabric of Coney Island.
These concerns have been echoed by CAC member Marissa Solomon, a Coney Island resident and cultural advocate, who has emerged as a prominent critic during the Q&A portion of the latest meeting. Solomon has questioned the racial and gender representation among the development teams' executive ranks, as well as the job allocation and diversity pledges, noting that only 9% of the proposed jobs are earmarked for Coney Island residents.
In response, project representatives have offered few concrete answers, citing the collaborative nature of the ongoing review process. The developers face a delicate balancing act: convincing residents that economic revitalization can coexist with community representation.
Each bidder, including The Coney, faces the same deadline: 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.
Recently, one of its presumed competitors - Bally's Bronx bid - appeared to be eliminated earlier this month after a failed rezoning vote. However, New York City Mayor Eric Adams revived the effort Wednesday by vetoing the council's decision, sending it back for reconsideration.
As the deadline approaches, the developers of The Coney will need to address community concerns, particularly around job access and equity, to secure the necessary votes and move forward with the project. The scale and ambition of The Coney are hard to ignore, but these concerns could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.
[1] New York State Gaming Commission [2] The Coney project website [3] Brooklyn Daily Eagle [4] Brooklyn Paper [5] The City
- The ongoing scrutiny of The Coney project raises concerns about job quality and diversity in hiring, causing community members and CAC to question if the proposed online casino, sports betting, and poker offerings will truly mitigate the high local unemployment rate.
- In response to the criticism, the developers of The Coney are striving to address community concerns, focusing on providing equal opportunities in finance, lifestyle, and job allocation, with an aim to increase the percentage of jobs allocated for Coney Island residents.
- As the deadline for CAC approval on The Coney project looms closer, the developers are tactically balancing the need for economic revitalization with community representation, hoping to increase the project's chances of success in both sports betting and casino-and-gambling industries.
