We’re already drowning in traffic half of the year. Now, you want to bring more traffic in. We don’t want it,”<\/strong> said CB13 Chair Lucy Mujica Diaz.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe resolution passed by a vote of 23-8.<\/p>\n
Community Opposition<\/b><\/h2>\n
The board’s official nonbinding resolution cited typical concerns about legalizing casino gambling, including the potential for increased crime and other societal drains.<\/p>\n
The Community Board’s stance has no legal bearing, nor can it singlehandedly halt the casino. But at least one Brooklyn counselor shares CB13’s opinion that a casino is best suited elsewhere.<\/strong><\/p>\n“I completely agree with the overwhelming opposition from the community in Coney Island,” commented Brooklyn Councilman Ari Kagan, who represents Coney Island. “I hear this is not just in Coney Island but all over southern Brooklyn. The overwhelming majority of people I talk to are against the casino.”<\/p>\n
Community Support<\/b><\/h2>\n
The casino developers say the CB13 resolution is premature. Officials with the consortium say they’ve canvassed the Coney Island community and have already garnered more than 3,300 signatures supporting the project.<\/p>\n
\nNew Yorkers know a good deal when they see one, and that’s why after going door to door and business to business, we’ve received more than 3,300 signatures from the community in support of the gaming and entertainment venue,” a statement from the consortium read. “A gaming and entertainment venue on Coney Island is going to bring year-round jobs, create economic opportunities, improve public safety, help small businesses, and revitalize an iconic community looking to build a brighter future.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The consortium added, “Any judgments about this project \u2026 before the full details and community benefits agreement are finalized\u00a0 is premature, shortsighted, and leaves the community struggling with the very same issues around unemployment, infrastructure, and public safety that it currently bemoans.”<\/p>\n
Plenty of Competitors<\/b><\/h2>\n
New York’s 2013 commercial gaming law authorized four upstate casinos and three downstate, defined as New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. The 2013 law provided a 10-year delay for the state to issue the downstate licenses to give the four upstate properties time to build their customer bases and lure downstate residents north.<\/p>\n