Hot Topics in Coney Island: The Coney Casino Expansion
New York City city council hearing addresses controversial gambling venue proposal at Coney Island, spurring mixed reactions.
Sounds like a thrilling time in Coney Island, New York! The proposed casino expansion, named "The Coney," led by Thor Equities, has been creating quite a stir. Here's a lowdown on what's happening:
Thor Equities, with a portfolio under its belt in Coney Island, is making waves with its ambitious plan to demap sections of Bowery Street and Stillwell Avenue. The goal? To create space for The Comy, a colossal $3 billion endeavor, promising a year-round destination with a 1.4-million-square-foot complex boasting a hotel, concert venue, and retail space[5]. Exciting, right? But not everyone's jumping on the bandwagon.
The plan's been met with opposition from the community, mostly due to concerns about the potential impact on the neighborhood and the environment[1][5]. Locals have been making their voices heard, including at a recent Zoning and Franchise Subcommittee meeting, packed with folks expressing their hopes and concerns.
City Council Member Justin Brannan, who attended the hearing, has faced some tough questions regarding his relationship with lobbyist Patricia Lynch, who's not only supporting Brannan's Comptroller campaign but also working on The Coney project. Yet, the specifics about their connection, as it pertains to The Coney, remain unclear. Behind-the-scenes maneuvering isn't unusual in large-scale projects like these, with lobbyists and local officials often playing pivotal roles in shaping outcomes.
Now, let's talk about the timeline. While a vote isn't expected before June 2025[2], make no mistakeβThe Coney isn't just a game. It's a significant investment with far-reaching implications for Coney Island. Stay tuned for updates on this rollercoaster ride!
[1] Brooklyn Daily Eagle[2] Crains New York[3] Times Union[4] NY Post[5] Brooklyn Reporter
Despite the ongoing debate, 'The Coney Casino Expansion' in Coney Island, New York, is set to introduce a new chapter with casino-games, casino-culture, and lotteries joining the entertainment mix, should the $3 billion project receive approval. The proposed casino-and-gambling complex, 'The Coney,' aims to attract visitors with a 1.4-million-square-foot complex complete with a hotel, concert venue, and retail space. It's crucial to promote responsible-gambling and minimize potential negative impacts on the neighborhood and environment during its construction.
