New York City Council Approves Coney Island Casino Rezoning
The New York City Council on Monday approved a controversial rezoning measure that paves the way for a proposed casino and entertainment complex on Coney Island, advancing a project that supporters tout as an economic catalyst but critics warn could harm the local community.
Council members voted 36-11, with four abstentions, to allow The Coney, a proposed resort spearheaded by Thor Equities, to de-map part of Bowery Street and purchase air rights needed to construct three high-rise towers and two pedestrian bridges.
The development would cover over 1.3 million square feet and feature a casino, a 500-room hotel, a convention center, retail space, and 1,500 parking spaces. Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel will not be affected by the plan.
“Today’s vote continues to demonstrate that the more people learn about our project and the benefits it will bring, the more they like it,” said Melissa Gliatta, chief operating officer of Thor Equities, after the vote. “We are now one step closer to delivering on a promise of economic transformation for Coney Island that includes the creation of thousands of jobs and a locally directed $200 million Community Trust Fund.”
The decision follows months of heated debate in the borough. In January, Brooklyn Community Board 13 overwhelmingly opposed the rezoning. While Borough President Antonio Reynoso later offered conditional support. Councilman Justin Brannan, representing Coney Island, acknowledged the divided opinions, stating the final decision rests with a broader group of stakeholders.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to have their voices heard on this matter through the New York State-mandated Community Advisory Committee process,” he said. “Then, all local elected officials will be able to make a decision collectively.”
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, whose district includes parts of Coney Island and Brighton Beach, cast her vote against the proposal. “This de-mapping increases the likelihood of the casino application and proposed development coming to fruition,” she said. “Over the past several months, and at this point, years, it has become clear that the majority of the community does not want a casino in Coney Island.“
The development still faces a critical hurdle: securing one of three downstate casino licenses to be issued by New York State. Last week, The Coney team submitted its formal bid to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board, joining seven other applicants.
Each proposal will undergo scrutiny from a local Community Advisory Committee, which must hold public hearings and vote on the project by September 30. Only those garnering at least two-thirds support from their respective committees will advance for state consideration, with final licensing decisions expected by year’s end.
If The Coney receives a license, its three towers would rise between 153 and 402 feet, connected by two “floating” pedestrian bridges spanning Stillwell Avenue and West 12th Street. Developers say the project would generate 4,000 union construction jobs, 4,500 permanent jobs, and create a $200 million community trust fund plus an additional $15 million annual fund for local emergency services.
But opponents, including the historic cultural institution Coney Island USA, continue to voice their concerns. Artistic Director Adam Rinn, whose organization is located on land slated for redevelopment, called the council’s approval “extremely disappointing.”
“We have over 20,000 signatures opposing this casino project,” he said. “What gall these electeds have to not take that into account. This is not a project to help; it’s a project meant to destroy.”
Rinn said he hopes the licensing process will ultimately block the casino. He pointed to the 11 “no” votes in the council as evidence of continued resistance. “We hope that the people of this city will support us,” he said. “We hope that the electeds will see the support that we are getting.”
If the state ultimately denies The Coney a gaming license, the approved rezoning would revert, preventing developers from using it to build other non-casino projects.
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