The battle over a proposed $3.4 billion casino in Coney Island spilled into a packed YMCA gym on Tuesday, where angry residents, optimistic developers, and sceptical officials exchanged barbed words in a public hearing that at times resembled more of a street protest than a civic meeting.
Placards waved. Voices cracked. Chants of “Stop the Phoney” competed with “Yes to The Coney.” For a project that promises jobs, tax revenue and tourism, the opposition is equally fierce, built on fears of crime, gentrification and the loss of a community’s identity.
A Proposal That Divides a Community
The developers—backed by Thor Equities, Legends, and Saratoga Casino Holdings—say the casino would deliver thousands of jobs and a badly needed injection of cash to the seaside district.
For critics, it feels like an invasion. Ann Valdez, a NYCHA resident, addressed the crowd with anger in her voice: “At the end of the day, you go home to your comfortable place. We stay here. This is our house. Leave it alone.”
One resident clapped. Then dozens joined in. The gym vibrated with frustration. Some neighbours believe the casino will turn Coney Island into an Atlantic City copycat, stripping away the local character. Others see a rare chance to finally bring investment to a neighbourhood long overlooked by City Hall.
The Atmosphere in the Room
It wasn’t quiet. Not for a second. People booed speakers who dared support the casino. Supporters shouted back. The advisory committee—six members tasked with evaluating the proposal—looked visibly uncomfortable.
One man stood up to yell “We don’t need Las Vegas here!” before being escorted out by staff. Another waved a handmade poster reading: Jobs Not Mobs.
Even the officials struggled to keep order. The microphone passed from hand to hand, each voice adding fuel to an already overheated debate.
The Money at Stake
Developers claim the project will generate billions in revenue for New York State, but residents questioned whether those benefits will ever reach their community.
Here’s what the pitch looks like on paper:
| Developer Promise | Figure/Claim |
|---|---|
| Total project cost | $3.4 billion |
| Estimated permanent jobs | 4,000+ |
| Estimated construction jobs | 3,500 |
| Annual tax revenue to NY State | $250 million+ |
| Community investment pledge | $100 million (local infrastructure, youth programmes) |
For some, those numbers sparkle. For others, they’re just numbers on a page. One woman whispered to her neighbour: “They promise everything before shovels hit the ground. Then they disappear.”
Political Pressure Mounts
This fight isn’t happening in isolation. New York is preparing to issue three new downstate casino licences, and the competition is fierce. Manhattan and Queens proposals are already in the mix, each with its own powerful backers.
Coney Island’s bid has support from local business groups hungry for tourism, but it faces stiff resistance from housing activists, faith leaders and long-time residents.
Mayor Eric Adams hasn’t taken a definitive stance yet, though his office has signalled “openness” to proposals that generate jobs. Meanwhile, Brooklyn council members are split, with some pushing for community benefits agreements before even considering approval.
The state’s Gaming Commission will ultimately decide. But local sentiment matters, and Tuesday’s hearing showed just how fractured it is.
Fear of Change, or Hope for Revival?
For older residents, the issue cuts deep. Many remember when Coney Island’s amusement parks faded into disrepair, when crime was high and jobs scarce. They don’t want history repeating itself under the banner of flashy casino lights.
Younger residents, meanwhile, are split. Some worry about gentrification pricing them out. Others say the neighbourhood desperately needs something bold to put it back on the map.
“I’ve been sending job applications for two years. Nothing. If the casino brings work, why not give it a chance?” said Marcus Hill, 27, who grew up in the area. His comment drew a mix of applause and boos.
A Decision Still Far Away
The hearing ended, but the tension lingered. Residents filtered out into the night, some muttering angrily, others looking hopeful. The committee promised more meetings before making recommendations.
For now, nothing is settled. The $3.4 billion casino remains an idea, not a certainty. But if Tuesday proved anything, it’s that Coney Island is divided down the middle—between those clinging to a way of life they fear losing, and those willing to gamble on a different future.
