The community rallies in response to proposed Coney Island casino
Ahead of the Jan. 22 vote, all sides voice their feelings on the casino
Emotions ran high at Community Board 13's public land hearing. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
By Gabriele Holtermann & Brooklyn Eagle Staff
January 14, 2025
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CONEY ISLAND — Emotions ran high as supporters and opponents of the proposed The Coney Casino and Entertainment Resort clashed at a Community Board 13 public land hearing at the Coney Island YMCA on Thursday.
Community members had the chance to make their voices and feelings heard regarding the mega-development along the iconic boardwalk. Thor Equities Group and its partners — Saratoga Casino Holdings, the Chickasaw Nation and Legends Hospitality Group — are behind the five acre project along Stillwell Avenue. The Coney is one of eleven contenders vying for one of the three casino licenses that are up for grabs in the greater New York City area.
The team behind The Coney and supporters say the project will bring much needed jobs to Coney Island. Rendering courtesy of The Coney
Representatives for The Coney announced that it will establish a $200 million community trust for the Coney Island community if it is granted a gaming license. A board made up of local voices and stakeholders will be established to help guide where funding will go and the initiatives it will support if The Coney.
“A community trust is exactly what Coney Island needs to ensure that the needs of locals are put first. I want to thank The Coney for truly putting its money where its mouth is and including this historic level of investment into their RFA proposal,” Jimmy Kokotas, owner of Tom’s Coney Island said.
Others at the meeting were staunchly opposed to The Coney, citing concerns that the casino would attract crime, exacerbate gambling addiction, increase gentrification, push out small businesses and hurt cultural institutions. Adam Rinn, artistic director at the nonprofit arts organization Coney Island USA, told the Brooklyn Eagle he was testifying to “put an end” to the casino, which he described as a “monstrosity and greedy structure.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
