The Coney, a proposed casino in Brooklyn’s Coney Island neighborhood in New York, has stirred significant attention, with developers announcing plans to establish a $200 million community trust fund if their gaming license is approved. The promise of this trust fund comes amid growing debate over the impact of the casino on the historic area, with local residents expressing both support and strong opposition.
Trust fund to support local initiatives:
The developers of The Coney, a project vying for one of the state’s coveted casino licenses, unveiled the details of the proposed $200 million community trust on Thursday. A board made up of local stakeholders would manage the fund, deciding how the money will be allocated to enhance the area. Potential uses for the funds include long-needed upgrades to the Coney Island boardwalk, improvements in safety and neighborhood beautification, and investments in workforce development programs aimed at benefiting the local community.
The trust fund would also support initiatives like small business assistance, public art projects, environmental improvements, and local grants. According to Robert Cornegy, a representative for the developers and former city council member, the trust would not only benefit current residents but also future generations. “Coney Island is an incredible community, and this $200 million trust will help make it even better for generations to come,” Cornegy said in a statement. He added that the project would bring much-needed year-round jobs and economic development to the area.
Despite the promises, the casino proposal has faced resistance from a significant portion of the local population. According to Brooklyn Paper, supporters, such as Pat Singer, the founder of the Brighton Beach Neighborhood Association, argue that the funds could significantly improve Coney Island’s infrastructure, including repairs to the long-neglected boardwalk. “By approving this project, you will open the door to new funding which will raise the quality of life for the people in Coney Island,” said Singer, who has lived in the neighborhood for nearly 50 years. She emphasized that the funds from the casino could help revitalize the community and address issues that have been ignored for decades.
On the other hand, many residents and local organizations have expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of a casino in the area. Adam Rinn, the artistic director at Coney Island USA, an organization dedicated to preserving the area’s cultural heritage, warned that the project could lead to the “ruin of the entire Coney Island.” Rinn and other critics argue that the casino could drive up housing costs, disrupt the neighborhood’s character, and create a permanent state of overcrowding and congestion, especially in a community that relies heavily on seasonal tourism.
Changes to zoning and community board hearings:
In addition to the community trust, developers are seeking approval for changes to local zoning laws to accommodate the construction of taller buildings and large pedestrian bridges that would connect various sections of the casino. Currently, zoning regulations would require the construction of shorter structures without aboveground connections, but the developers hope that the zoning adjustments will allow for a more expansive, integrated design.
These zoning changes will be discussed at an upcoming Community Board 13 hearing, set for January 9, where local residents will have the opportunity to express their opinions on the project. Following this, the board’s Land Use Committee will vote on the proposal on January 15, with a final vote scheduled for January 22. The debate surrounding the casino is expected to continue to intensify as the vote approaches, with both supporters and opponents rallying to make their voices heard.
The Coney is one of several projects vying for one of the three state gaming licenses that are expected to be awarded later this year. If successful, the developers promise the casino will create over 4,000 union jobs and attract year-round visitors to the area. While supporters see this as a much-needed boost to the local economy, others fear that the project could permanently alter the character of Coney Island, turning it into a commercialized entertainment hub at the expense of its historic charm.
In the weeks leading up to the community vote, Coney Island USA and other advocacy groups have been vocal in their opposition to the project. They have called on locals to attend hearings and speak out against the proposal, fearing that the development of a large-scale casino could irreversibly change the neighborhood. Meanwhile, business owners like Augustine Quiles, who owns a bar in the area, have expressed hope that the project will bring more foot traffic and economic stability to a community that currently struggles with off-season lulls in business, as Spectrum News NY1 reports.
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Vanja Mitic 2025-01-10 14:48:21
