Coney Island Casino’s Future a Crapshoot After Community Board Committee Votes ‘No’
Community Board 13’s Land Use Committee Dealt a Blow to the Proposed Coney Island Casino
Community Board 13’s Land Use Committee dealt a blow to the proposed Coney Island casino on Wednesday night, as it voted to deny developers’ application to alter land use restrictions to make way for the facility. After a heated two-hour meeting, the committee voted 7-2 against the application, with one abstention. The full board will vote on the proposal on January 22.
To build the massive gaming facility, the team behind “The Coney,” headed by local developer Thor Equities, wants to close – or “demap” – a portion of Bowery Street and purchase air rights along West 12th Street and Stillwell Avenue, as well as raise a portion of Stillwell Avenue. That would allow them to build high-rise towers connected by enclosed pedestrian bridges over existing buildings – assuming the facility also receives a state gaming license later this year.
Residents Sound Off at Public Hearing
Still, the local opinion is split. At a contentious public hearing on January 9, hundreds of Coney Islanders spoke out against the casino, worried it could negatively impact the historic neighborhood and its residents.
Longtime resident Kristina Kim said that while Coney Island is in need of support, The Coney is not the right choice for the nabe. “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,” she 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.”
Developers Face the Land Use Committee
In their presentation to the committee on Wednesday, developers said approving the land use application would make way for a safer, pedestrianized Stillwell Avenue that would create an “entryway” to the boardwalk and amusement district, as well as the casino.
Demapping part of Bowery Street, said architect Dan Kaplan, would make way for an internal entrance for vehicles that would help reduce traffic on local streets. Kaplan also said The Coney, if approved, would provide and advocate for public benefits. Last week, the team announced it would create a $2 million public trust to improve the community if the casino is built.
Public Approval Must Come First
Public approval, though, is a must for developers seeking casino licenses. Per the state Gaming Facility Location Board, if a given proposal doesn’t have enough support, it won’t be considered by the board.
Conclusion
The vote by CB13’s Land Use Committee is just the first step in the Uniform Land Use Review process, and is strictly advisory, as is the vote by the full board next week. However, it is clear that the future of the Coney Island casino is uncertain, and the fate of the project hangs in the balance.
FAQs
What is the Coney Island casino proposal?
The proposal is for a massive gaming facility that would be built on the site of the former Nathan’s Famous restaurant in Coney Island. The facility would feature high-rise towers connected by enclosed pedestrian bridges and would require the closure of a portion of Bowery Street and the purchase of air rights along West 12th Street and Stillwell Avenue.
What is the current status of the proposal?
The proposal is currently pending review by the community board and has been met with opposition from some local residents. The full board will vote on the proposal on January 22.
What are the potential benefits of the proposal?
The developers claim that the casino would bring thousands of jobs and year-round economic activity to the area, revitalizing the historic neighborhood. They also claim that the facility would provide and advocate for public benefits, including a $2 million public trust to improve the community.
What are the potential drawbacks of the proposal?
Some local residents are concerned that the casino could negatively impact the neighborhood and its residents, and that the facility would be too large and intrusive. Others are worried about the potential for increased traffic and crime in the area.