Community Outcry Over $3.4 Billion Casino Bid

Brooklyn’s Coney Island was once known as something like an entertainment capital. This is why The Coney’s $3.4 billion mixed-use casino development proposal was said to ‘just make sense’.

The presentation of the proposal had been done a while ago. Now, eight bids are before community advisory committees (CAC), competing for three casino licenses in downstate New York. 

Observers initially thought Bally’s Corp's Bronx proposal was out after zoning officials rejected it, but NYC Mayor Eric Adams had resurrected the project and vetoed the vote. It’ll be joining the run once again for another chance.

Now, each local CAC needs to approve a project by a two-thirds majority for it to move to the next phase. The Coney’s case must get four out of six CAC members' approvals.This process is meant to show the level of local support for the project; thus, decisions aren’t made solely from the members’ own beliefs. Locals already have the option of playing at offshore platforms where there is no ready option available. A look at how offshore casinos work shows that these platforms already provide locals with a wide range of perks, including more games and larger bonuses. These are some of the perks local establishments are hoping to mirror.

Addressing What Coney Island Needs

Among all the submitted projects, the Coney Island one is relatively the most visually diverse. It includes bright neon colors and a fun design that mimics a theme park. It’s a fresh idea against the common luxurious resort or formal skyscraper. Despite its modern look, it also gives a retro carnival feel, which is perfect for Coney Island’s charm.

If the Coney’s bid ends successfully, the project will start its construction process in June 2026, which is planned to finish in June 2029 for its single-phase opening. However, during the presentation, stakeholders pointed out three key issues that the project plans to solve.

The first is how to make Coney Island more than just a summer spot. It’ll instead make Coney Island an attractive all-year-round destination. Secondly, to ensure public safety, and lastly, to generate local job opportunities. That emphasises on keeping benefits local.

Thor’s vice president, Peter McEneaney, focuses mainly on job creation. If this project goes through, it’ll generate 4,000 construction jobs alongside 4,500 permanent jobs. He pointed out Coney Island’s 17% unemployment rate, which is four times the national average.

This is why the mixed-use project will benefit in lowering the unemployment rate. The establishment won’t just become a casino. It’ll be a mixed-use entertainment project that goes well with Coney Island’s framework.

For security, McEneaney had announced that $75 million had been pledged for emergency services and first responders throughout the project’s first five years. This is an amount separate from the proposed $200 million community trust meant for local investments.

Residents Divided

The public hearing on Tuesday (23rd September 2025) gained a heated response to the proposed $3.4 billion proposal. Before the community advisory committee, developers and residents made their cases first.

Chanting and heckling filled the crowded YMCA gym at Coney Island. Most hold signs expressing diverse opinions. Some are in strong disagreement, while others are expressing support for the project.

Some feel like having a casino in Coney Island will take away the comfort that the place brings. They struggle to see what positive progress a casino establishment may bring to Coney Island.  Those who agree feel that having a casino in Coney Island is an improvement.

Most of the opposing residents express that the project will change the entirety of the neighborhood’s character. They’re worried that streets will be privatized and residents will be displaced. Overall, Coney Island will be made a place for developers to profit from.

This passionate crowd made it hard for developers to deliver their 20-minute presentation. Still, they try their best to give a response, ensuring that the casino complex would be nothing but a major economic engine.

They tried to explain that the project includes creating programs that allow people to advance. It’ll give them more job opportunities in the new facility. They tried showing the state-of-the-art complex with a variety of facilities. They promised that the project would end up as the largest employer in the neighborhood.

There would be a 25,000 sq ft entertainment place alongside at least 20 world-class restaurants. The complex will also have up to 116,000 sq ft of convention space.

Supporters with speaking powers, such as Randy Peers, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, added that the project is an opportunity to allow Coney Island to depend less on summer events. Instead, it’ll be a year-long destination. He reminded us that one of the things that stalls Coney Island’s economy is how seasonal it is.

On the opposing side, infrastructure problems are the main concern. Some residents worry that adding a massive casino project could overwhelm Coney Island’s weak infrastructure. Emergency response is dangerously slow, and people have died waiting for ambulances to come.

Geography, alongside outdated infrastructure in the area, is the main cause that makes it hard for emergency services to reach people quickly. Electrical systems are also outdated, showing how weak Coney Island’s infrastructure is in keeping up with modern needs.

The community advisory committee will meet for a second hearing before the voting deadline (September 30th) to decide the fate of the project. Meanwhile, residents can submit written statements before the due date. By the end of the year, the state will decide which applicants will receive the three downstate gaming licenses.

This content was produced in partnership with General Studios. If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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