Summary
- Locals showed their opposition during a meeting with The Coney representatives.
- Crime, climate change, pollution, gambling addiction, and property tax changes are among the concerns.
- Many residents are skeptical that the jobs and economic benefits will come to fruition.
While three casino licenses are up for grabs in the New York City area, it seems all of the plans to create a venue in various locations are drawing the ire of the locals. The most recent complaints stem from The Coney project.
A meeting was held this week to discuss the plan, and it was met with outrage from residents who are vehemently opposed to the venue.
The Coney Receives Major Criticism
The Coney is a $3 billion project that would bring a casino, several hotels, a waterpark, and a museum to the Coney Island area. A coalition of several companies is involved in the potential project, including Thor Equities, the Chickasaw Nation, Saratoga Casino Hotel and Legends Hospitality Group.
Representatives of the project tried their best to provide information to the public during the meeting and try to clarify any misconceptions residents may have about the casino plan. Officials told the crowd that they are considering the concerns and will work with the public to show what the casino plan can bring to the community.
The application process has only just begun, so there is still a long way to go to see who will receive the gaming licenses on offer in NYC. This is just one of many plans, and the competition is quite stiff. There are plans for Times Square and Midtown, each facing its own local opposition.
Residents Express Many Concerns During Casino Meeting
Dozens of local residents came to the meeting to express concern over Coney Island’s new casino plans. As representatives tried to showcase what the casino would bring to the community, residents focused on their concerns.
Those living in the area feel that a casino will bring crime, traffic congestion, pollution, climate change, and other issues. Many are concerned about potential gambling addiction among those who frequent the casino and property tax changes.
Each concern is valid, and the representatives of The Coney will need to provide more information to the public and try to convince the locals as to why the plan is a good idea. Supposedly, a petition has been circulating showing support for the casino with 3,000 signatures, but not a single person spoke during the meeting that was for the project.
With so much opposition towards each casino plan being presented in NYC, we may see the process take even more time before a company is given the green light. The public is not holding back when it comes to showing their opinion on the matter.
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