Coney Island fights casino proposal
For some, bringing a casino to an increasingly revitalized Coney Island is a dream. For others, it’s a nightmare and they had their chance to speak out against the idea at a press conference aimed at channeling dissatisfaction with the proposal.
The conference was hosted by STOP the Coney Island Casino, a not-for-profit coalition of residents, businesses, community groups and elected officials, and many of those who attended the January 7 event were Russian-speaking residents of the southernmost communities in the borough, joined by elected officials who share their perspective.
One at a time, the speakers took turns explaining how a casino would affect the neighborhoods that they represent, starting with Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz, who said that the plan would not only be a mistake for Coney Island, but for all the neighboring communities from Bay Ridge to Mill Basin.