Committee votes 'no' to Coney Island casino land-use application
Application now heads to full community board for vote next week.
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Community Board 13's Land Use Committee voted "no" to a developer's application to alter land-use restrictions in its plans to build a casino in Coney Island.
The vote was note unanimous, and it is not the final call as the full board will vote on the application next Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The application would allow Thor Equities, the developer proposing the project, to demap a section of Bowery Street and buy air rights on West 12th and Stillwell Avenue, which would pave the way for enclosed pedestrian "sky bridges" between high rise buildings of The Coney.
Several community members voiced concerns over the application on a Zoom meeting held Wednesday Jan. 15.
Some neighbors said they were concerned the sky bridges did not fit with the neighborhood aesthetic and others shared concerns that the bridges would deter foot traffic hurting small businesses in the area.
The Coney released the following statement:
"We remain encouraged by the increasing number of community members and stakeholders who are supportive of the historic investment The Coney is prepared to make into the Coney Island community. It remains clear that the more people hear about our project, the more support it generates, as evident by the divided initial advisory vote. A $3 billion development, $200 million community trust fund, more than 4,500 good paying union construction jobs, 4,000 full-time good paying operational union jobs and the creation of a whole new slate of entertainment and dining options will revitalize Coney Island and turn it into the premiere year-round destination it deserves to be. As part of this ongoing process, we continue to receive helpful and constructive feedback that gets incorporated into our RFA and we look forward to continued discussions with the community."
