Plans to open a controversial $3 billion casino on Coney Island’s fabled boardwalk could be crapping out.
The land-use committee for Brooklyn’s Community Board 13 delivered a potentially lethal blow to the Thor Equities-led development team’s glitzy “The Coney” project on Wednesday, rejecting an application to close some local streets and purchase air rights to build high-rise towers and connecting pedestrian bridges for the proposed casino.
“We don’t need more traffic, more gambling, more crime,” said committee member Angela Kravtchenko.
The full board will vote on the plan Wednesday, but the panel typically backs recommendations of their committees. And although community board opinions are only advisory, they historically wield major influence in the city’s land-use review process that is ultimately decided by the City Council.
The Coney plan along Surf Avenue from West 12th to West 15th streets includes a 500-room hotel, a convention center and concert venue. The project is contingent on securing one of three casino licenses the state plans to award in and around New York City by the end of this year.
At least 11 development teams are vying for the licenses, but only four proposed casino bids – including Thor’s — need land-use changes approved by the city before even being considered by state gaming regulators.
Earlier this month, Manhattan’s Community Board 4 delivered a big blow to a glittering $12 billion casino complex proposed for Hudson Yards by rejecting a zoning change needed by Related Companies and Wynn Resorts.
The Coney’s development team insisted the committee’s vote isn’t fatal.
“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,” which includes creating a “$200 million community trust fund” for boardwalk and safety improvements, community grants and other amenities, said its spokesman Eric Koch.
