Coney Island, known for its iconic boardwalk, amusement parks, and deep-rooted history in New York City’s culture. Now, a new development proposal is at the center of heated discussion: a casino and entertainment district backed by Thor Equities, in partnership with The Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Hotel and Legends. This project, known as The Coney, aims to bring new economic opportunities to the area, but it has also sparked significant opposition from community groups and residents.
The Proposal: What’s Planned?
The proposed casino complex is part of a larger $3 billion development plan that seeks to transform Coney Island into a year-round entertainment hub. The project would include:
- A casino and hotel to attract visitors beyond the summer season.
- Retail spaces to support local and national businesses.
- Entertainment venues to enhance Coney Island’s existing attractions.
- Public infrastructure improvements, including parking and transportation access enhancements.
- A $200 million Community Trust to fund local business support, safety initiatives, and youth development programs.
- A one-acre rooftop park, providing free public space overlooking the beach.
- A commitment to LEED Platinum Certification, ensuring environmentally responsible construction.
Thor Equities and its partners argue that the casino will create thousands of jobs, drive tourism, and bring much-needed investment into the neighborhood, which traditionally sees a decline in visitors outside the summer months. Additionally, the development team has committed to addressing local concerns through initiatives such as improved public safety measures, traffic mitigation efforts, job training programs, and partnerships with local businesses.
Joseph Sitt, a Brooklyn native and founder of Thor Equities, has been involved in Coney Island’s development for over two decades. Since acquiring key properties in the area in 2003, he has advocated for revitalizing the historic amusement district and expanding year-round economic opportunities. His efforts include projects like Coney Art Walls, a public street art exhibit, and now The Coney.
The Opposition: Key Concerns
The project has faced strong opposition from groups such as No Coney Casino, a campaign largely led by Coney Island USA, a nonprofit arts organization that has been active since 1980. Coney Island USA is housed in a landmarked building at 1208 Surf Avenue, which it claims to have purchased in 2008 with funding from the City of New York. The organization describes itself as dedicated to preserving the cultural and artistic history of Coney Island, operating programs such as the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Museum, and various live performances.
Opponents of The Coney proposal argue that:
- Economic Displacement: A casino might not benefit local businesses, as visitors may spend primarily within the casino itself rather than supporting nearby establishments.
- Housing: Concerns that rising property values could make the neighborhood unaffordable for long-term residents.
- Traffic & Infrastructure Strain: Fears that increased visitor volume could overwhelm existing public transit and roadways.
- Social Impact: Some worry about increases in gambling addiction and crime.
- Preservation of Local Character: Arguments that a large casino complex could fundamentally alter the historic amusement district’s identity.
- Public Land Use: Questions over the proposed de-mapping of certain streets, with claims that it could reduce accessibility for residents and emergency responders.
Additionally, some of the opposition messaging has taken an extreme tone, suggesting that the casino will directly cause emergency access issues or eliminate cultural events such as the Mermaid Parade—despite the likelihood that a major entertainment venue would aim to support such traditions that brings in large audiences to the area rather than eliminate them.
The Coney’s Response to Opposition Concerns
To address these concerns, the development team has outlined several initiatives:
- Traffic & Infrastructure: Proposed mitigation efforts include an ocean-side ferry service, expanded subway and bus options, increased parking, and dedicated shuttles to reduce congestion.
- Public Safety: Plans for increased security personnel, improved lighting, and partnerships with local law enforcement to enhance neighborhood safety.
- Local Business Support: Strategies such as discount reward programs and cross-promotional partnerships to drive customers to nearby restaurants, bars, and shops.
- Employment & Career Growth: A focus on hiring local residents, workforce training partnerships, and career advancement opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Commitments to ongoing dialogue with residents and business owners to refine project details based on feedback.
The Bigger Picture: Competing Casino Bids
The Coney Island casino project is one of 11 competing proposals for a limited number of three available casino licenses in the New York City area. The New York State Gaming Commission is overseeing the selection process, which will require each proposal to secure two-thirds support from a decision-making board made up of:
- The Local City Council Member
- The State Assembly Member
- The State Senator
- The Brooklyn Borough President
- The New York City Mayor
- The New York State Governor
With stiff competition, The Coney developers are working to position their projecaaaata as the most viable option by emphasizing economic revitalization, job creation, and community integration.
Community Reactions & Political Landscape
- Support for the Project: Former NYC Council members Domenic Recchia Jr. and Robert Cornegy Jr. have joined the pro-casino task force, arguing that the project will bring economic revitalization, jobs, and year-round tourism to an area that has historically struggled with seasonal employment.
- Public Support Campaign: By April 2024, Thor Equities has claimed the group gathered over 3,000 signatures in favor of the casino project, with a team conducting direct outreach, knocking on more than 16,300 doors to engage with local residents.
- Community Investment Promises: The development team has pledged local hiring preferences, workforce training programs, and partnerships with the NYPD and NYC DOE for youth apprenticeship initiatives.
- Opposition Continues: No Coney Casino campaigners remain vocal, using social media, petitions, and public appeals to city officials to halt the project.
- Upcoming Public Hearings & Government Review: The casino proposal must undergo a lengthy approval process, including community board votes, borough president review, city council hearings, and state-level licensing decisions.
What’s Next?
As the debate continues, both supporters and opponents are making their voices heard. The public discussion around The Coney will likely intensify as city and state officials weigh the benefits and concerns surrounding the project. Community engagement and transparent dialogue will be critical in determining whether this development moves forward.
Stay tuned and follow for more updates as we follow the latest developments in this unfolding story.
BrightonConey has reached out to both Coney Island USA and The Coney for comment and will update this article as we receive responses.
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