In recent developments, New York’s ambitious casino expansion plans are encountering significant hurdles. Following the rejection of all three proposed Manhattan casinos—Caesars Times Square, Avenir, and Freedom Plaza—in quick succession, attention has now shifted to Brooklyn. With potential setbacks looming, The Coney, a major casino proposal for Coney Island, seems likely to face a similar fate.
The Coney is a joint venture spearheaded by Thor Equities, along with partners including the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Holdings, and Legends Hospitality. They have proposed a $3.4 billion development intended to transform Coney Island into a year-round destination. The vision includes a casino, a hotel, and various entertainment facilities, all designed to revitalize the area and create a bustling tourist haven.
Despite these grand plans, the proposal has encountered resistance from the community advisory committee (CAC) responsible for evaluating it. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, both of whom are members of The Coney’s CAC, recently declared their intention to vote against the project. They cited misalignment with community needs and the area’s historical context as major concerns. “The Coney has failed to prove itself as a public good,” Reynoso remarked, highlighting the proposal’s perceived disconnect with local values.
Scarcella-Spanton echoed Reynoso’s sentiments, noting that the project’s location was unsuitable. Their opposition adds to that of Marissa Solomon, a well-known critic of the proposal who has been vocal from the outset. Solomon’s skepticism represents broader community discontent, which was evident during the public hearings. Both sessions were marked by heated exchanges and widespread opposition, casting doubt on the project’s feasibility.
For The Coney to proceed, it would need four out of six CAC votes in favor, a threshold that seems increasingly unattainable given the current opposition. Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny, who appointed Solomon to the CAC, reinforced this sentiment by stating that the project was not a fit for the neighborhood. “Today’s developments, indicating three ‘NO’ votes, reflect our community’s stance,” he shared, anticipating a likely negative outcome for The Coney.
Meanwhile, other casino proposals are inching towards their evaluation phases, with the “racino” projects—MGM Empire City and Resorts World NYC—scheduled for votes soon. These projects have been perceived as frontrunners, owing to their strategic advantages and established rapport with local communities. Their speed-to-market benefits, coupled with substantial tax contributions, position them favorably against new developments like The Coney.
Resorts World NYC remains optimistic despite the recent trend of rejections. At its hearings, the proposal received unanimous support, and the promoters are aiming for a July 2026 launch if approved. The timeline not only offers a quicker realization of their plans compared to MGM but also ensures a stronger economic impact ahead of competitors.
MGM Empire City also retains hope, although it faces challenges from local opposition in Yonkers. The CAC evaluating MGM’s proposal is smaller, consisting of only five members, necessitating at least four affirmative votes. The company has warned that without approval, it might be forced to close its operations due to unfeasible competition with potential new entrants in the market.
In the grand scheme of New York’s casino expansion, these developments highlight the tension between ambitious economic aspirations and local community interests. While the state seeks to enhance revenue and tourism through strategic gaming facilities, community voices and historical contexts are shaping the path forward. Proposals with deep-rooted community support and quicker paths to market are emerging as favorites, while those like The Coney, which struggle to align with local sentiments, are falling by the wayside.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the outcomes of upcoming CAC votes, which will be crucial in determining the landscape of casino gaming in New York. The contrasting fortunes of The Coney and its racino counterparts underscore the complexities of balancing development ambitions with community priorities. In this delicate dance, only those who successfully navigate both interests will likely emerge victorious.