The iconic attraction that is Coney Island and the unique character of Brooklyn, New York, should be the features that put “The Coney” over the finish line as one of three downstate New York casino licenses, and likely the sole license in New York City.
Manhattan’s New 12 The Bronx did an exclusive interview with Sam Gerrity, the CEO of Saratoga Casino Hotel, on the proposed Coney Island casino, a partnership between Saratoga, the Chickasaw Nation and Legends Global Planning. Gerrity said the unique nature of Coney Island and its world-famous boardwalk should be enough of a draw for the casino’s success.
“It’s such a unique location,” Gerrity said., “Just look at some of the attractions that we have here. We’re in the most famous city in the world in one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City.”
The Coney casino and entertainment district would feature a 330,000-square-foot gaming floor, a 500-plus room hotel and a 90,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art convention center.
Gerrity told News 12 his goal is to revitalize the local economy, without losing its character.
“Brooklyn is known for its vibrancy and its character, and we don’t plan to lose any of that, but just to add on top of it,” he said “We’re proposing to invest $3 billion into the community. One of the nicest things is that we have the subway right here, which will be at the entrance of our entertainment district.”
Not everyone is pleased with the project, which has faced considerable community opposition, residents citing concerns over traffic and possible increased crime.
Many of those complaints are capsulized in a 40-page public engagement report from the office of Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Released last week, the report draws on resident feedback from two public forum held by the borough. Residents cited concerns about crime, displacement, traffic, gambling addictions and pain inflicted upon local business, according to the analysis.
Reynoso said the findings in the report would not necessarily prevent him from supporting the project, but that it’s important for planners to know local concerns. “Now the casino operators know in more detail about how most of Coney Island is feeling,” said Reynoso, according to the New York Post.
“This report clearly outlines the issues in Coney Island. They should be using it to make their proposal stronger.”
Gerrity told News 12 that some of the complaints—particularly concerns over crime—are based in myth. “ I know from experience in the gaming industry, that the myth of an increase in crime is just that… a myth,” he said. “There’ll be an increase in foot traffic. There’ll be more lights, there’ll be more security, and it will all, in fact, decrease crime.”
The Coney is one of eight bids for a New York City casino, which include many of the industry’s largest operators and cover Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. While three downstate licenses are being made available by the state, it is widely expected that two will go to the existing racinos, Resorts World New York City in Queens and Empire City in Yonkers. That would leave all the others vying for a single license.
