A key advisory committee on Monday voted against bringing a casino to Coney Island, capping a year-long lively debate on how Brooklyn residents view the People's Playground.
The six-member Community Advisory Committee voted 4-2 to reject plans for The Coney, a decision that was not a surprise, as there were many vocal residents who spoke out against the $3 billion plan during numerous public meetings, as well as written opposition by CAC members ahead of the vote.
City Council Member Justin Brannan, the CAC chair, wrote in an op-ed dated Sept. 22 that revitalization of Coney Island was much needed, but a casino was not part of a plan he envisioned.
“And, let’s be real: casinos exist to make money, not to fix our aging infrastructure or lift families out of poverty,” Brannan wrote. “For surrounding businesses, the promise of eight million new customers should be welcome news. But everyone knows that a massive 37-acre casino complex wouldn’t complement our local economy — it would cannibalize it and swallow the People’s Playground whole. Casinos are designed to keep you — and your money — inside.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and state Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton also said they would not approve the casino project ahead of the vote.
“I just really feel that if they would have put forth an effort a lot earlier in convincing the community or putting forth a lot of these amendments, then maybe, the conversation could have been different,” Reynoso said after the vote, referring to a recent set of amendments submitted by Thor Equities and its partners regarding increased investments to the community.
A spokesperson for The Coney project declined to comment on the vote and on alleged claims that people were paid to testify in support of the casino.
The New York State Gaming Commission issued the following statement on the bribery allegations: “The Gaming Commission is a regulatory, not a law enforcement body. Whether such actions are considered violations of Penal Law is not for the Commission to determine. Allegations of criminal activity should be appropriately referred to law enforcement.”
So far, all three Manhattan casino projects have been voted down, while Bally's in the Bronx, MGM Empire City in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City in Queens have been approved.
The vote capped a contentious public debate among Brooklyn residents, many of whom remain divided on the project.
“It’s a horrible decision especially for the future residents of Coney Island,” said Coney Island native Joseph Packer, 69. “There’s no give-back from the new buildings coming up and we have a casino that’s willing to give back to our community and employ people from our community.”
Lucy Mujica-Diaz, a resident at the helm of the opposition, shed tears when the proposal was officially axed.
“I’ve been fighting this for three years, from day one, so it becomes very emotional,” said Mujica-Diaz, who said she was opposed to the casino fearing an increase in property taxes.
Jeanny Hernandez embraced a teary-eyed Mujica-Diaz after the vote.
“Every time we came out and spoke to the people, it was always a no,” said Hernandez, a resident of Coney Island for 30 years. “I’m very proud of the Coney Island residents that came out and said no to this project that would have drastically changed our neighborhood."
CAC member Marissa Solomon told BK Reader that residents had "overwhelmingly" indicated they did not want a casino in Brooklyn.
“I think people felt that they were being told that their summer was going to be taken away from them,” said Solomon, who was appointed to the CAC by state Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny.
Opposition to the casino project continued up until the vote. One group, some dressed up in mermaid costumes, delivered a petition with about 6,000 signatures against the project to Brannan’s Coney Island office on Sept. 23.
As he accepted the petition, Brannan said he wasn't anti-casino, but that he is “anti-casino where they [Thor Equities] want to put it.”
“The casino might do great, but it would completely kill the rest of our neighborhood,” the council member said.
For some residents, the debate about the casino became a calling. Julia Daniely, who expressed dismay over the final vote, said after she suffered a stroke two years ago, the casino fight became a motivating factor for her.
“This right here was something that helped me get out of my bed and fight for something I believed in — I was ready to just quit,” said Daniely, as she pointed to a tattoo of “The Coney” logo and playing cards on her right arm.
“I believe in it, because you know what, we need help here and people don’t see it,” she said.
Angie Pontani, also known as Miss Cyclone, hoped the focus on Coney Island won't disappear.
“What I hope for the future is that we can come up with a plan with the city, with Thor Equities, that really brings out the best in Coney Island," she said. "[One] that recognizes and underscores the things that make this place great, which is small businesses, creativity, amazing ideas and family fun.”
