Coney Casino gets support from first NYC Community Council — but with reservations
Coney Casino Resort has received preliminary support from the New York City Community Council, a quasi-governmental agency with an advisory role only. But there's a caveat to the level of public support for Coney Island's plans for a $3 billion entertainment district.
Last week, Brooklyn Community Board 11 voted unanimously in favor of The Coney development. The 20-0 vote came after a public meeting where residents expressed overwhelming support for bringing thousands of jobs, economic activity and a new tax stream to the south end of the county.
Former 36th Ward Alderman Robert Cornegy, who joined The Coney project last year, said the more people understand the jobs, opportunities and benefits The Coney will bring to Brooklyn and Coney Island, the more they like it. . “We will continue to talk to everyone and engage our community from the ground up because Coney Island is a vibrant community and Coney Island will be the economic engine that helps us revitalize it.”
The Coney is offered by New York real estate giant Thor Equities in partnership with Saratoga Casino Holdings, Chickasaw Nation and Legends Hospitality. This is one of approximately 10 casino license offers in California, USA. New York’s Gaming Facilities Location Commission is expected to award three coveted gaming concessions by the end of the year.
Board members speak out against casino offers
There are 59 community boards in New York, each made up of unpaid members appointed by the borough president in consultation with county council members. To be ordained, a person must live or work in the community.
Community leaders gauge public support for economic, land use and zoning issues. Although city council members often side with the central committee, their positions have no official weight.
Community Board 11’s support for The Coney marks the first time the board has backed a proposed casino. But Community Board 11 does not include the roughly 5 acres of land Thorne owns where the Coney Island boardwalk resort complex will be built at Surf and Stillwell avenues.
CB11 represents Bensonhurst and Bath Beach in northern Coney Island.
Coney Island Board of Directors Takes Different Position
Community Board 13 covers Coney Island, home to the iconic Wonder Wheel and Cyclone roller coasters.
Last May, Community Board 13 expressed opposition to the casino, claiming the development would cause more traffic congestion, increase crime and lead to higher rents.
We don’t want it,” said CB13 President Lucy Mujica Diaz. The board formally objected in a 23-8 vote.
Diaz said the high-paying jobs that Coney Island brings could cause Coney Island residents to lose housing assistance.
Fortunately for The Coney's developers, CB13 can't stop the resort from becoming a reality. Before the Gaming Facilities Site Selection Committee considers the project, the newly formed community advisory body will include a casino, a hotel, a one-acre park, on-site parking and parking for local Brooklyn and Coney Island businesses. Retail and restaurant space. The Board of Directors Establishment Committee (CAC) must first approve the commitment.
Each casino’s CAC is composed of six members appointed by the Governor, the New York City Mayor, the appropriate New York State Senator and Representative, the appropriate Borough President, and the appropriate City Council.
In an interview last July, Paul Pippin, chief operating officer of Global Gaming Solutions, the Chickasaw Nation's gaming subsidiary, said the league was keen on community input.
We consider this part of the process," Pippin said."Feedback from the community is very important to us. We welcome comments and use this feedback to enhance our applications. "
Officials with The Coney said this week that the project has received more than 10,000 signatures from people in Coney Island and South Brooklyn who support the project.
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Source: www.casino.org
