Community advisory committee votes to reject Coney Island casino plan
Over the summer, the Turn To Tara team got an exclusive look at a proposal from The Coney team and the unique strategy its backers hope will give them the edge.
The Coney Community Advisory Committee voted to reject the Coney Island casino plan - a gambling hall on the iconic boardwalk.
Despite recent amendments and the developers behind the Brooklyn-based proposal proposing a $75 million community safety fund aimed at bolstering local fire, police and EMS services over the next five years in direct response to neighborhood concerns, the proposal was rejected in a 4-2 vote.
Over the summer, the Turn To Tara team got an exclusive look at a proposal from The Coney team and the unique strategy its backers hoped would give them the edge.
While many people in Brooklyn felt the casino would change the neighborhood of Coney Island, residents long disagreed on if it would be for the better or for the worse.
Some neighbors against the casino were concerned that the development would impede the view of the skyline and character of Coney Island and Luna Park. They were also concerned it may bring crime.
People like Jeanny Hernandez say she's relieved that it was shut down.
"They always say Coney Island is an amusement area. No, families live here. You know, children seniors, we should prioritize them over a casino. It would have been half a block away from a school it just didn't make sense," said Hernandez.
Other residents like Joseph Packer thing it would have been economically beneficial for Coney Island.
"I thought it would be an opportunity for our young people to get more opportunities out here more resources, more jobs. Not only that, the careers that could have come out of it. I think this is one missed opportunity that's going to hurt us down the road," said Packer.
The Coney Island Casino would have been among five contenders vying for the three licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. The Bally's Bronx community advisory committee voted in favor of the proposal Monday. The "Freedom Plaza" proposed for Midtown Manhattan near the United Nations was shut down in a 4 to 2 vote by a state appointed Community Advisory Committee. Two other casino proposals in Hudson Yards and Times Square were also rejected earlier this month.
