The Coney, the casino proposed for Brooklyn’s Coney Island, has gained community support, an element vital if its developers hope to be one of three downstate casinos approved by New York.
More than 10,000 Brooklyn residents signed a petition in support of the project, a major positive development after many local officials and business people had previously rejected the idea of gaming at the famous amusement park and boardwalk. The Coney is one of 11 bids submitted for a downstate casino license.
The competition is stiff. While the state is making three downstate licenses available, it is widely expected that the two existing racinos, Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City Casino in Yonkers, will receive two of the licenses—leaving 11 bidders vying for a single license. Community support could be an important factor in rising above the fray.
The text of the Brooklyn resident petition reads:
“As a Southern Brooklyn resident, you support creating jobs and new economic growth by establishing a new casino and entertainment district in Coney Island. For decades, our community, our families and our small businesses have been shortchanged and we have been waiting for the year-round economic opportunities that this project will finally make happen. We urge our elected representatives and leaders to support this project and the jobs and career training for local residents that will develop into longstanding, fulfilling careers in entertainment and hospitality.”
The group behind The Coney includes Thor Equities, the Chickasaw Nation, Legends Hospitality (Jerry Jones/Yankee Global Enterprises) and Saratoga Casino Holdings. Former New York City council member Robert Cornegy and former South Brooklyn council member Domenic Recchia are consultants on the project.
“We’ve seen a real groundswell of support for The Coney,” Cornegy said in a press release, “because Coney Island and South Brooklyn residents know that year-round good-paying jobs, better public safety, investments in our students and more economic opportunities are good for this community.
“Grassroots engagement is our top priority, and we’re going to keep going to meetings, talking to people and telling everyone about the benefits The Coney would bring to help revitalize Coney Island.”
The developers say The Coney would create 4,000 permanent gaming and hospitality jobs.
