In a decisive move that brings a controversial Coney Island casino project a step closer to realization, the New York City Council has approved a rezoning proposal that would allow for the construction of a sprawling $3.4 billion entertainment complex known as The Coney. The Council passed the measure on June 30 by a 36-11 vote, with four members abstaining, according to Brooklyn Paper. This approval grants developers permission to demap part of Bowery Street and purchase air rights above neighboring properties, setting the stage for a transformative development in the heart of the People’s Playground.

Though the City Council’s decision paves the way for major structural changes to the neighborhood, it does not ensure that The Coney will ultimately be built. The project, spearheaded by Thor Equities and backed by partners including Saratoga Casino Holdings, Legends, and Global Gaming Solutions, is one of eight contenders for just three coveted downstate casino licenses that will be awarded by New York State later this year.

Applications were submitted to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board by the June 27 deadline, with the licensing process now entering a community review phase. Each proposal, including The Coney’s, must be evaluated by a six-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC), whose members are appointed by local elected officials. Each CAC is required to hold two public hearings and issue a vote by September 30. A proposal must receive backing from at least two-thirds of its CAC to advance for final consideration by the state board, which is expected to announce its selections by December.

Project Details: Towers, Jobs, and Public Amenities

If granted a license, The Coney would reshape a section of Coney Island with three new high-rise towers ranging from 153 to 402 feet in height. The development plan includes two elevated pedestrian walkways, a 500-room hotel, retail outlets, a convention center, and a 2,400-seat performance venue. A substantial parking structure with 1,500 spaces and over an acre of new open public space are also part of the proposal.

According to developers, the project would create 4,000 union construction jobs and over 4,500 permanent positions, many of which would prioritize local hires. In addition to the economic uplift, the developers have pledged to establish a $200 million community trust led by local residents and to contribute $15 million annually to bolster emergency services in the neighborhood.

“Today’s vote continues to show that the more people learn about our project and the benefits it will bring, the more they like it,” said Melissa Gliatta, COO of Thor Equities, following the Council’s approval. “We now move one step closer to fulfilling a promise of economic transformation for Coney Island that includes the creation of thousands of jobs and a $200 million locally led community trust fund.”

Local Leaders and Residents Divided

While developers tout the project’s potential to invigorate the area with economic opportunities and infrastructure upgrades, the plan remains divisive among residents and local leaders. Community Board 13, which represents Coney Island and surrounding neighborhoods, voted overwhelmingly against the rezoning earlier this year, citing concerns about traffic, crime, and the erosion of the area’s historical character.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso later offered conditional support, but local Council Member Inna Vernikov opposed the plan, emphasizing that many constituents remain staunchly against bringing a casino to the neighborhood. “This demapping makes the casino application and proposed development more likely to take place,” Vernikov said. “Therefore, I must vote against it, as over the past many months and at this point years, it has become clear that a majority in the community do not want a casino in Coney Island.”

Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents the district where the project would be located, voted in favor of the rezoning but emphasized that the final decision lies with the broader CAC process. “Trust me I would much rather have Coney Islanders organize for what they want than feel like they must fight for what they don’t want,” he said. “It is my responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to make their voices heard on this matter through the Community Advisory Committee process mandated by New York State.”

Cultural Institutions and Residents Voice Concern

Opposition is not limited to local officials. Coney Island USA, a cultural organization that hosts the famed Mermaid Parade and operates the Coney Island Museum, sits on land directly affected by the rezoning. Artistic Director Adam Rinn criticized the vote, stating, “It’s disappointing that we have elected officials who are here to represent the people. And let’s be clear about that word: The people. Their constituents, not the folks with big money, not the developers. We have over 20,000 signatures opposing this casino project.”

Community members remain split. Some argue that the casino could jeopardize existing small businesses and change the neighborhood’s essence, while others welcome the potential for economic growth. At a January hearing, Coney Island resident Joseph Watson expressed support, saying, “My ‘yes’ to The Coney is for the investments in our community. I’m talking about the kids and the young men and women that live in NYCHA, that are renters, OK, they’re not homeowners. These people, my people, we need an opportunity.”

While the land use approval clears a significant hurdle, the Coney’s fate now rests with state officials and community committees. If the project fails to secure a gaming license, the rezoning will be invalidated, halting construction. With a competitive field that includes proposals in Times Square, Yonkers, and near Citi Field, The Coney will need strong local support and a compelling vision to secure one of the limited licenses.