Coney Island Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Gaming Facility’s Impact on Traffic and Local Businesses

The City Planning Commission (CPC) convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss zoning applications and modifications related to the proposed gaming facility in Coney Island. Attendees voiced strong opinions about how these changes might impact local traffic and businesses.

The meeting’s primary focus was the implications of a proposed gaming facility on the local economy and infrastructure, highlighting an anticipated influx of 23,000 visitors on weekdays and 34,000 on weekends. Many residents expressed concerns about existing traffic issues exacerbated by this increase, especially during peak hours when children travel to and from school. Local representatives noted that previous studies indicated significant congestion already impacted 45 intersections. They emphasized that the peninsula’s limited access to the mainland raises serious concerns about emergency vehicle access amid heightened traffic (Source: https://youtu.be/WVPsQLcT0tQ&t=14225).

In a bid to stimulate economic growth, proponents suggested the gaming facility could attract visitors and reinvigorate local businesses. However, critics argued that the development could do the opposite by drawing foot traffic away from smaller establishments reliant on local patronage. Some members of the community have expressed that large entertainment complexes like casinos often cater to tourists rather than strengthening the local economy, risking the vitality of existing family-oriented businesses (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2024/12/17/coney-island-gaming-facility-proposal-raises-concerns-over-family-friendly-atmosphere/).

Additionally, the meeting covered how changes to local zoning might lead to reduced open space in an area historically cherished for its recreational and communal spaces. Some commissioners raised concerns about the potential for loss of sunlight and open areas due to new construction, particularly given the existing relationship between the waterfront parks and Coney Island’s unique heritage (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/01/06/coney-island-gaming-facility-proposal-raises-concerns-over-family-friendly-atmosphere/).

The meeting encapsulated a community divided between the promise of economic benefits and the desire to safeguard the family-friendly character of Coney Island. As the CPC continues its deliberations, balancing these critical concerns against the proposed benefits will be key to the project’s future development.