Thor Equities Consortium Tries to Promote Coney Island Casino Bid as Community Concerns Grow
On Tuesday, the 40-page «Public Engagement Report: Coney Island Casino Proposal» was released by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s office. More than 200 locals gave their feedback on The Coney Casino & Resort project that is trying to obtain one of New York casino licenses.
Reynoso, who has had a neutral position on the casino bid, said that about 3 of 4 public comments received were against the resort. Local residents expressed concerns about a casino potentially resulting in higher rents, traffic, and other consequences like potential value drop of people’s properties located close to the resort area or negative impact on businesses nearby. At the same time, those who want the resort to appear say it can create more local jobs and will possibly make Coney Island a year-round destination.
According to Reynoso, the public engagement findings have been sent to the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. He also expects Thor Equities and its partners to improve the bid taking into account the feedback received.
The $3 billion project targeting New York’s Coney Island is proposed by the Thor Equities’ consortium, which also includes Legends Hospitality, the Chickasaw Nation, and Saratoga Casino Holdings. According to the latest information on the potential resort, it will offer visitors a casino, multiple restaurants, a hotel, retail shops, and a one-acre public park.
Reacting to criticism, the Thor consortium has started promoting the benefits that Coney Island will have if the resort is approved. The website, dedicated to the project, calls the potential casino «New York’s new beacon of economic opportunity» as it would generate new local tax money, create thousands of new jobs, and boost the entire economical development of a region.
In other news, All-Star Lanes & Casino in Silverdale now belongs to Maverick Gaming.
