Community divided as Coney Island casino proposal faces first committee hearing
Held by the state’s Community Advisory Committee, the meeting gave casino developers a chance to present their plan to bring thousands of jobs to the area.
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The first committee hearing for a proposed Coney Island casino kicked off Tuesday morning — and the stakes were high.
Held by the state’s Community Advisory Committee, the meeting gave casino developers a chance to present their plan to bring thousands of jobs to the area.
Supporters, like former City Councilmember Dominick Recchia, say the project could be a game-changer.
“This is a good opportunity to get good paying jobs with tons of benefits and union jobs,” Recchia said.
Developers claim the casino could create nearly 5,000 permanent jobs and help curb Coney Island’s unemployment rate — which they say is four times the national average.
But not everyone is betting on a win. Longtime residents voiced concerns about gentrification, rising taxes and traffic.
“They keep telling me, ‘Don’t worry, your property values will go up,’” said Lucy Mujica Diaz, former chair of Community Board 13. “But if my taxes go up, too, and I can’t sell my home because of traffic and the casino, where do I stand?”
Committee member Marisa Solomon pressed developers on how they plan to handle traffic from casino visitors. The group later clarified it would rely heavily on public transit and shuttles, stating that incentives would be offered to reduce car usage.
Public comments were not taken during the meeting, but the committee is accepting written feedback via email until a final decision is made in late September.
To launch a complaint or make a comment, email TheConeyPublicComment@nystec.com
