More details from The Coney have emerged, further illustrating the expansive New York casino and entertainment development complex proposed for Coney Island.
The latest plans for the $3 billion project paint a picture of a proposal that “creates careers, supports local businesses, and centers entertainment around the idea of a playground that is truly accessible to the people,” according to Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Holdings.
Gerrity – whose company will collaborate with Global Gaming Solutions of the Chickasaw Nation, Legends, and Thor Equities – noted that the group spoke with area residents for two years to best piece together this proposal.
“We have heard time and time again that Coney Island needs a project that provides year-round economic support while also lifting up the infrastructure in one of the most densely traveled areas of the community. The Coney does just that.”
The Coney aims to ‘eliminate seasonal ebbs and flows’ with NY casino project
According to a press release detailing the latest plans, The Coney will feature a 500-room hotel as well as a 2,500-seat concert venue to complement more than a dozen restaurants, 92,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and, of course, a “world-class gaming experience.”
All told, per the release, the project will create thousands of new jobs and wil become “a year-round economic engine” for the community as it “will eliminate the seasonal ebbs and flows that have long plagued the local business community.”
“Situated in the middle of a preexisting entertainment district steps away from one of NYC’s most iconic historical landmarks, The Coney just makes sense,” Gerrity said in the press release. “Additionally, The Coney is a project that would be built on privately-owned land. That means we are ready to put shovels in the ground on day one.”
Added Dan Boren, board chairman of Global Gaming Solutions and secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation:
“The Coney will be a world-class destination with activities for locals and tourists alike. We have worked closely with the community and local business owners to put together a proposal that is designed to create thousands of good paying jobs and lift the entire local economy, benefitting Coney Island and all of Brooklyn.”
How community has responded to proposed Coney Island project
For years, the press release emphasized, the group behind The Coney “has been fully engaged” with the local community. It backed “a number of local initiatives” that benefit residents. In turn, according to the release, The Coney has received more than 10,000 signatures supporting the casino project.
That support, of course, is key to The Coney earning one of three downstate licenses, which could clear the path to launch NY online casinos once lawmakers legalize them.
Earlier this year, Community Board 11 unanimously supported the project. That board represents the area to the north of Coney Island, however. As such, The Coney will need backing from Community Board 13, which has cited traffic congestion, increased crime, and higher rent as reasons to not support the casino development.
Representatives of The Coney, though, have not wavered. They truly believe that this project will breathe new life into Coney Island.
“This project represents a massive investment into the economy of Coney Island and Southern Brooklyn,” Gerrity said in a statement. “We are committed to continue working with New York City to examine how The Coney can best support much needed improvements that will benefit the entire community.
“We are ready to get to work on delivering the benefits of this transformative project.”
