Neighbors say Coney Island casino would be death knell for Mermaid Parade. Developers disagree
In a statement to News 12 the management group behind The Coney said that they do not envision any disruptions for the Mermaid Parade as a result of the casino, saying it would welcome the increase foot traffic.
More Stories
Residents and business leaders in Coney Island Saturday held a rally in opposition to a proposed plan to bring a casino to the area known as The Coney.
The event, which was styled as a funeral for the Mermaid Parade complete with a coffin, raised concerns from residents that the additional traffic as well as construction of the project would bring would be the end of the beloved tradition for the community.
"If this proposed casino gets approved, it may very well be the death of our Mermaid Parade,” said Adam Rinn, the artistic director at Coney Island USA. "When we are looking to apply for street closures, [The Coney] will not want to lose even a day’s work, a day’s worth of revenue to our parade. After all, how will any of the buses or cars enter?"
Others raised concerns about increased demands on the limited parking in the community, and how casino-goers would be competing with nearby apartments, schools and senior care centers for access.
In a statement to News 12 the management group behind The Coney said that they do not envision any disruptions for the Mermaid Parade as a result of the casino, saying it would welcome the increase foot traffic.
“The Coney has previously announced the creation of a $200 million community trust we would establish upon receiving a gaming license from New York State designed to support causes exactly like this if the community desires," the group said in a statement.
