A community board in southern Brooklyn voted against proposed changes to land use necessary for a new casino, The Coney, in Coney Island. The vote was 24 to 11, with strong local sentiment evident as community members packed the meeting, showing support and opposition through signs. The developers claim the casino could provide substantial jobs and a public trust fund, but many residents are wary. The board's decision, although advisory, could influence the state's gaming license process as public approval is important in such developments.
"My 'yes' to The Coney is for the investments in our community," said resident Joseph Watson. "I'm talking about the kids and the young men and women that live in NYCHA, that are renters, OK, they're not homeowners. These people, my people, we need an opportunity."
The Coney, as developers envision it now, would be a 1,431,730-square-foot facility stretching across several blocks near Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street, built up above existing buildings and connected by enclosed "sky bridges."
Though the board's vote is strictly advisory and the land use application is not directly tied to The Coney's push to get a state gaming license, public approval does play a large part in who will receive those licenses - and Coney Islanders have strong feelings on all sides.
At the January 22 board meeting, locals packed the room to capacity, many waving signs provided by opposing organizers: "Stop the Phoney" and "No no no casino in Coney Island" for those against the project; "Yes to Jobs!" and "Build it Now!" for those in favor.
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