Coney Island casino bid gathers signatures of support

The coalition pushing for a casino in Coney Island is trying to boost its bid in the competitive process by showing that neighborhood residents support it. Eric Koch, a consultant with Downfield, exclusively told City & State that 3,363 community members signed a petition saying, in part, “As a Southern Brooklyn resident, I support creating good jobs and new economic growth by establishing a new casino and entertainment district in Coney Island.” 

Others hired by the development team include Red Horse Strategies, which has close ties to Mayor Eric Adams. Consultant Robert Cornegy, the former City Council member, also worked on the outreach, knocking on more than 16,300 doors. 

Not all Brooklynites are on board, of course – the casino plan has been protested – but opposition in Coney Island is quieter than in Manhattan, where the Broadway League and allies like the famed restaurant Sardi’s just amped up criticism of a Times Square gambling house. On the East Side, meanwhile, the development team trying to build a casino near the United Nations just announced a partnership with local restaurants. The Gaming Facility Location Board is considering local impact when awarding the licenses, so expect to hear more on community engagement from the dozen downstate bidders for casinos.