Coney Island Casino: Rezoning Approved, NY Gaming Licenses Next

Coney Island Casino Rezoning Approved by City Council Amidst Heated Debate

New York – In a landmark decision, the New York City Council has approved a rezoning measure that paves the way for the construction of a large-scale casino in Coney Island. The vote, held on Monday, saw council members cast 36 votes in favor, 11 against, and four abstentions regarding the plan submitted by The Coney.

This approval allows the project to proceed with the acquisition of air rights over existing streets and buildings, as well as the demapping of a portion of Bowery Street. The ambitious plan includes the construction of three high-rise towers and the creation of two pedestrian bridges.

After the rezoning was approved, the casino would include three high rise towers and two pedestrian bridges. Rendering courtesy of FXCollaborative/New York City planning

Economic Promises and Community Reactions

Melissa Gliatta, COO of Thor Equities, expressed optimism about the project’s future. “Today’s vote continues to show that the more people learn about our project and the benefits it will bring, the more they like it,” Gliatta stated.

She highlighted the potential for “economic change” in Coney Island,including the creation of thousands of jobs and a $200 million community trust fund.

Dissenting Voices

Despite the promises of economic revitalization, the decision has not been without its detractors. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on existing businesses and the overall character of Coney Island.

An opponent of the casino at a Jan. 9 hearing. File photo by Erica Price

casino supporters say the casino would bring needed jobs and economic opportunity to the nabe. File photo by Erica Price

Council member, during the discussions, voiced opposition, stating, “This demapping makes the casino application and proposed growth more likely to take place.Therefore, I must vote against it, as over the past many months and at this point years, it has become clear that a majority in the community do not want a casino in Coney Island.”

The approved rezoning allows for the construction of three towers,ranging from 153 to 402 feet in height. These towers will be connected by two large pedestrian bridges spanning Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street.

zoning documents indicate that the casino complex will encompass over 1.3 million square feet, featuring a 500-room hotel, a convention center, retail space, and parking for 1,500 vehicles.Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel, iconic amusement parks, will remain unaffected by the development.

Job Creation and Community Investment

Proponents of The Coney project emphasize its potential to generate 4,000 union construction jobs and 4,500 permanent positions. Additionally, the developers have pledged a $200 million “Community Trust” to fund local initiatives and a separate $15 million annual fund to support emergency services.

At a January Community Board 13 hearing, local resident Joseph watson voiced his support, stating, “My ‘yes’ to The Coney is for the investments in our community.I’m talking about the kids and the young men and women that live in NYCHA…these people, my people, we need an opportunity.”

The development would include the casino, a hotel, retail space, and more. Rendering courtesy of The Coney

Concerns for Coney Island USA

Though, not all locals are convinced. Adam Rinn,artistic director at Coney Island USA,expressed his disappointment with the council’s decision. Coney Island USA, home to the Circus Sideshow and other attractions, is located on one of the rezoned blocks and would be directly impacted.

“It’s disappointing that we have elected officials who are here to represent the people…not the folks with big money, not the developers,” Rinn said. “We have over 20,000 signatures opposing this casino project…this is a project that is set to destroy.”

Rinn remains hopeful that the project may still be derailed, pointing to the 11 “no” votes from council members.

Should the gaming license be denied, the rezoning would be reversed, preventing developers from constructing a non-casino facility on the site.

The Broader Context of Casino Development in New York

The decision regarding the Coney Island casino comes amidst a broader push for casino development in New York State. In 2023, the state legislature approved the licensing of up to three downstate casinos, sparking considerable interest and competition among developers.

Did You Know? According to a report by the New York State Gaming Commission, commercial casinos in New York generated over $1.5 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2022. Source: New York State Gaming Commission

Casino Development: A National Trend

The expansion of casino gaming is not unique to New York. States across the U.S. are increasingly turning to casinos as a source of revenue and economic development. According to the American Gaming Association, commercial gaming revenue in the U.S. reached a record $60.4 billion in 2022.

however, this trend also raises concerns about problem gambling and its potential social and economic consequences. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for problem gambling.

Pro Tip: For individuals concerned about problem gambling, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER) and other local organizations.

Comparing Proposed Benefits and Risks

Aspect	Potential Benefits	Potential Risks
Job Creation	4,000 union construction jobs, 4,500 permanent jobs	Potential displacement of existing businesses
Community Investment	$200 million Community Trust, $15 million annual fund for emergency services	Potential for increased crime and social issues
Economic Impact	Increased tourism, revenue for local businesses	Possible negative impact on property values

The Future of Coney Island

The approval of the rezoning marks a significant step forward for the proposed Coney Island casino, but the project still faces hurdles. Securing a gaming license from the state is a crucial next step, and ongoing community engagement will be essential to addressing concerns and ensuring that the development benefits all stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Coney Island Casino Project

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Coney Island Casino: Rezoning Approved – The Next Step: NY Gaming Licenses

The tides are turning in Coney Island! Following the recent rezoning approval, the path is now significantly clearer for the development of a casino in this iconic Brooklyn neighborhood. This article dives deep into what this rezoning means, the critical next steps involving New York gaming licenses, and the potential impact on Coney Island’s future. We’ll explore the key players,the potential benefits,and the hurdles that still lie ahead. This is a story about economic revitalization, community impact, and the transformation of a beloved destination; keywords include: Coney Island Casino, rezoning approval, NY gaming licenses, New York casino, Brooklyn casino development, Coney Island revitalization, casino benefits

Rezoning: Paving the Way for a coney Island Casino

The rezoning process, frequently enough a complex and lengthy undertaking, has been successfully navigated. The approval of the rezoning is a landmark achievement, opening up the necessary land-use permissions to allow for the construction and operation of a casino resort. This decision signifies a major leap forward, unlocking the potential for significant investment in the area. This process involved considerations of traffic, environmental impact, and community input; LSI keywords: *Coney Island development, zoning regulations, economic impact*.

Key Aspects of the Rezoning Approval

• Land Use: The rezoning modifies existing land designations, permitting casino development.
• Community Consultation: Significant community meetings and stakeholder engagement were crucial throughout the approval process.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Detailed environmental studies outlined in compliance with local authority requirements, addressing potential concerns.

NY Gaming Licenses: The Golden Ticket

With the rezoning complete, the focus now shifts to the acquisition of a coveted New York gaming license. The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) will oversee the licensing process, establishing criteria and evaluating applicants. Securing one of these licenses is the final major hurdle before construction can commence. The NY gaming license is a highly competitive process. Applicants face rigorous background checks and are required to demonstrate financial strength and responsible gaming practices. The licensing process is not only about casinos but also the supporting infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. LSI keywords: *NYSGC, New York Casino licensing, gaming regulations.*

The NYSGC Submission Process: What To Expect

Interested parties should be aware of the complexities of the application process, which may include the following steps:

1. Formal Application Submission Complete and submit the official application to the NYSGC.
2. Financial Vetting Demonstrating fiscal stability and the financial resources to fund the project.
3. Background Checks Extensive investigations, including personal and business backgrounds.
4. public Hearings Community forums seeking feedback.

Potential Benefits and Impacts of a Coney Island Casino

The introduction of a casino promises a broad spectrum of benefits for Coney Island and the surrounding communities. Economic growth and job creation are prime factors, along with increased tourism. The potential for a casino to stimulate supporting businesses, attracting outside investment, and tax revenue for local government.

Potential benefits Breakdown

Benefit	Description
Job Creation	Thousands of new jobs in various sectors: hospitality, service, security, and management.
Economic Boost	Attracts investments, grows the local economy and boosts tax revenue.
Tourism Increase	Draws tourists and elevates the overall attractions that coney Island offers to its visitors.
Community Development	Perhaps funding local infrastructure projects and development plans.

Addressing Concerns and the Road Ahead

The casino project isn’t without its critics.Concerns regarding potential social impacts – including problem gambling and other community impact – must be addressed.Those involved need to follow responsible gambling initiatives. It is critical to incorporate policies that tackle financial effects and promote safe casino practices. Careful planning and ongoing community engagement are essential. LSI keywords: *responsible gaming, community impact, casino regulations*

Important Considerations

• Community feedback: Continued engagement with residents.
• Responsible Gaming Measures: Implementation of robust measures to address problem gambling.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Investing in local infrastructure to manage increased traffic, etc.