NY Casinos: Coney Island Hearing Erupts as Rowdy Crowd Split Over $3.4B Casino Bid

The first public Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hearing for The Coney, the $3.4 billion casino proposal in the iconic Brooklyn neighborhood, ended feeling more like an overtime playoff match than a civic meeting. The mood was raw: security had to step in, microphones were cut off, and frequent interruptions were tried (and often failed) to restore order.

Like a divided Congress, the aisle was evenly separated between supporters and opponents. The former were carrying signs like “It Just Makes Sense,” and the latter were holding “Stop the Phoney.” The night showcased the deep rift over whether a casino will revitalize or ruin Coney Island.

The meeting showcased the deep community division over the project. While many residents hope for new jobs and an economic boost, others fear a rise in crime, traffic, and the destruction of the iconic neighborhood.

The project, backed by Thor Equities, Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions, and Legends Hospitality, is one of eight casino hopefuls vying for one of the three highly coveted downstate New York casino licenses.

Developers Pitch Jobs, Careers & Trust Fund

The developers attempted to convey key messages amid the noise and commotion. They tried to clear some common questions and concerns.

One of the selling points presented by The Coney team is that the project will lower the above-average unemployment, a claim CAC member Marissa Solomon questioned at the inaugural CAC meeting.

Melissa Gliatta, Thor Equities’ Chief Operating Officer, stated that in over 500 meetings, residents have expressed interest in career opportunities, not jobs, and The Coney will provide them. Gliatta promised job fairs, hospitality training, and local opportunities for union jobs.

Peter McEneaney, Thor Executive Vice President, addressed topics such as construction job training (also questioned by Solomon) and a transportation strategy that emphasizes public transit rather than cars. Traffic and congestion are another hot topic of discussion, as the project’s environmental study revealed severe traffic and parking insufficiencies.

The developers also reiterated their pledge of a $200 million community trust fund and $75 million towards emergency services. They also highlighted that The Coney will produce over 8,500 union jobs.

Fierce Opposition: Culture, Congestion, and ‘Traffic Hell’

Opponents blasted the proposal as a threat to the neighborhood’s identity and safety.

A resident, named Roman, warned: “In reality, what’s being offered is crumbs…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.”

Ann Valdez, a NYCHA resident, struck a personal chord: “At the end of the day, you go home to your comfortable place. We stay here. This is our house. Leave it alone.”

Nsowaa Stewart, resident and owner of Universal Progressive Construction Corp, questioned whether the developers would keep their promises to hire local subcontractors. Pointing to the adjacent PS90 lot, where a kindergarten is located, she asked:

“Where’s the plan for PS90? Where’s the plan that ensures our children will not be pushed into prostitution?…When you put a casino here, what do you think is going to happen… stop playing with us, stop playing with our children.”

Ida Sanoff, a Brighton Beach resident, raised serious concerns about traffic and congestion: “People have literally died waiting for an ambulance. They just can’t get around the geography problem. The infrastructure is outdated. The electrical system is outdated.”

Supporters Fire Back: ‘We Have Crime and No Jobs’

Supporters weren’t silent, though often drowned out by boos.

Ed Watson, a resident, challenged opponents: “The gentleman that just left said crime, traffic and addiction. We have that right now and there is no casino! So if we have that… and there’s no jobs, what are we doing?”

Dina Rabiner, of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, stated: “The Coney project represents one of the most significant private investments in Brooklyn in decades… [bringing] thousands of good-paying, permanent year-round jobs to a community that has long faced seasonal employment challenges.”

Barbara McFadden said: “I love Atlantic City, but Coney Island is Brooklyn, and Brooklyn is my home. Why can’t we have a casino here?”

Deborah Carter, resident leader of NYCHA’s Gravesend Houses, echoed the sentiment: “I think it’s only fair that Coney Island has resources for the residents who live here.”

What’s Next: A Crucial Vote Looms

The August 26 meeting was the first of two CAC hearings, which were open to the public. The CAC must schedule another one before September 30. That’s the deadline the six-member CAC has to weigh the public’s opinion and vote on whether to advance the application in the licensing process.

To advance, The Coney must receive support from four out of the six CAC members. Without that, the project dies at a local level, without reaching state review.

If it passes, the New York Gaming Facility Board will review the application alongside other finalists. The Boards will give their recommendations to the New York Gaming Commission by December 1. It is expected that the Commission will issue the three licenses by the end of the year.