Barely a week after Manhattan casino proposals were unanimously voted down by community advisory committees (CACs), the ambitious Coney Island casino project in Brooklyn finds itself on shaky ground. Thor Equities, backed by partners such as the Chickasaw Nation and Saratoga Casino Holdings, aimed to transform Coney Island into a bustling year-round entertainment destination with a $3.4 billion mixed-use complex. Despite these grand ambitions, the local community’s resistance has considerably dimmed the project’s prospects.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and state Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, both influential members of the Coney Island CAC, announced their intention to vote against the proposal. Their opposition stems from concerns that the project fails to address the community’s needs and history. Reynoso articulated these sentiments in a recent interview, noting that the development “does not serve the public good” and criticizing it as “deeply unimpressive” and “unresponsive” to the area’s rich heritage. Scarcella-Spanton echoed these concerns, commenting that the proposed location was unsuitable for such a development.
The looming deadline of September 30 for decisions on casino licenses adds urgency to the situation, but an official vote has yet to be scheduled. The Coney project is one of five contenders vying for three downstate casino licenses, which are to be awarded by year’s end. However, to advance to state consideration, proposals must first receive local CAC approval—a hurdle that seems increasingly insurmountable for The Coney.
The project aimed to reinvent Coney Island beyond its seasonal attractions, proposing a casino, hotel, entertainment venue, and other amenities. Yet, the initiative faced significant challenges from the outset. Public hearings on the proposal were marked by chaos and vocal discontent from local residents, which even led to police intervention. The vehement opposition highlighted the deep-seated skepticism toward the development.
Critics argue that the CAC’s lack of neutrality presented a formidable obstacle from the beginning. Marissa Solomon, a local resident staunchly opposed to the project, was appointed to the CAC by Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny, another vocal critic. Solomon’s critique during The Coney’s initial presentation galvanized further opposition, with many residents rallying against the proposal.
Assemblymember Brook-Krasny shared his skepticism about the project’s viability, suggesting that the proposal would likely fail the CAC vote, as it needs support from four out of six committee members. With the recent announcements from Reynoso and Scarcella-Spanton, The Coney’s odds appear grim.
While The Coney’s prospects dwindle, other proposals remain in contention. MGM Empire City and Resorts World NYC, both ‘racino’ (racetrack-casino) projects, are seen as frontrunners in the race for a casino license. These proposals benefit from their ability to enter the market quickly due to existing infrastructure and strong community ties. Furthermore, their established tax contributions present a compelling argument for their approval.
Resorts World NYC emerges as particularly optimistic. Its public hearings have garnered unanimous support, and the project plans to launch its casino operations by July 2026, a year ahead of MGM’s projected timeline. MGM, meanwhile, faces a slightly tougher road. Despite some resistance during public hearings, the proposal must secure approval from four out of five CAC members due to its location outside New York City.
The stakes are high for MGM. Without a full casino license, the operation risks closure, unable to sustain competition with other nearby commercial licensees. The pressure mounts as the CAC process advances, with both MGM and Resorts World hoping to secure their positions in the lucrative downstate casino market.
In conclusion, while the Coney Island casino project grapples with community opposition and potential rejection, other proposals continue to push forward. The unfolding situation highlights the complexities and challenges inherent in gaining local approval for large-scale developments, especially in areas with distinct community identities and concerns. As the deadline draws near, the competing casino proposals are left to navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty and high stakes, each vying for a transformative opportunity in New York’s gaming scene.
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