It’s ironic, but a plan to close a road to build a casino in Coney Island, New York, has hit a roadblock. The Land Use Committee voted against essential changes for the project.
Community Board 13’s Land Use Committee rejected the proposal for a Coney Island casino after a heated two-hour meeting, voting 7-2 with one abstention, to deny developers' request to change land-use restrictions for the project.
New York State is expected to grant three downstate casino licenses by the end of the year, with applications due by the summer. The 5-acre site in Coney Island is among a dozen possible locations, including Citi Field, Hudson Yards, Times Square and Nassau County.
What Developers Want for a Coney Island Casino
The team behind "The Coney" envisions closing part of Bowery Street, purchasing air rights along West 12th Street and Stillwell Avenue, and changing a section of Stillwell Avenue to construct a large gaming facility and high-rise towers connected by enclosed pedestrian bridges.
During their presentation, The Coney team argued that approving the land-use application would result in a safer, pedestrian-friendly Stillwell Avenue, creating an "entryway" to the boardwalk, amusement district and casino. Removing part of Bowery Street would facilitate car access and reduce traffic. Additionally, a $2 million public trust would be established to improve the community if the casino is built.
However, these proposals were not enough for the committee's approval.
Why the Land Use Committee Voted 'No'
Developers argue that the casino would revitalize the historic neighborhood by generating thousands of jobs and providing year-round economic activity in "The People’s Playground."
The biggest obstacle at this point for developers is that the public support needed for such a project is lacking.
Committee member Angela Kravtchenko stated, “We don’t need more traffic, more gambling, more crime.” Brooklyn resident Ed Dutchmazz expressed concerns to WPIX News, emphasizing, “It’s the scale of it and changing the fundamental reasons of why you come down here.”
At a public hearing earlier this month, longtime resident Kristina Kim acknowledged that Coney Island needs support but argued that a casino, convention center and hotel are not the right fit. “If you want to create jobs, invest in education. We don’t need more people knowing how to work a blackjack table. We need lifeguards, we need teachers,” Kim said. “We need to fix the streets that flood every time it rains. We need to finish the playgrounds that have been under construction for years.”
What’s Next for the Coney Island Casino Plan?
For the project to have a chance at securing one of the state gaming licenses later this year, it will need significant public support.
The good news for developers is that the CB13 Land Use Committee's rejection is just the beginning of the Uniform Land Use Review process. The committee's decision is advisory; the full board will vote on the land-use plan next week.
Developers need public approval to obtain casino licenses. According to the State Gaming Facility Location Board, any proposal lacking substantial support will not be considered.
