If real estate developers get their way, Coney Island may soon be losing its seasonal vibe. The New York Post is reporting that several of the city's leading corporate entities, including Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' Related Companies, Vornado, and S.L. Green, have expressed interest in two of the state's three new available casino licenses as part of an expansion endorsed by Governor Kathy Hochul. 

Looking to Atlantic City as a model, Thor Equities owner Joe Sitt is pitching a gaming destination in his native Coney Island as a potential commercial booster. Hudson Yards, Times Square, and Queens’ Willets Point neighborhood have also been floated. In total, the projects could bring in at least $1.5 billion in license revenue for the state. The year-round operation of the casinos could engender even greater profits dependent on an agreed-upon tax rate between the state and potential developers. 

Other than money, the subway system seems to be the main determining factor in the matter. Both the Manhattan and Queens sites are serviced by the 7 train, but Coney Island lacks the access to regional mass transit options offered by the others. Some residents say the local D, F, N, and Q train station isn't equipped to handle all the elderly traffic, and even more are still weary from a failed 2009 rezoning plan they feel carried many of the same short-sighted economic promises. 

“From the 2009 rezoning, we learned the hard way. They promise you jobs, jobs, jobs, and what you get is bupkis,” an environmentally-conscious Coney Island native told the Brooklyn Paper. “You get a few construction jobs and maybe a few minimum wage jobs, and the rest goes to the whole universe, they don’t try to hire in the community. So if you ask me, the only thing this is going to bring us is aggravation.”

She also said: “Everybody else on the peninsula has become a stepchild to the amusement area,” adding that “the amusement area, as it is, sucks up resources like the vacuum cleaner.” 

This reluctance to building an entertainment venue could come into play as the bid process draws closer. According to the Post, state laws require developers to seek approval from a six-member community advisory board, which will be put together by the borough president, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Hochul, and local politicians. RFQs could be issued within 90 days of the state gaming commission forming its special review board, which is expected by October 4th. New York State senator Brad Hoylman said interested parties shouldn't get their hopes up before then. 

“I don’t know one constituent who wants a casino,” Hoylman noted. “Outside forces want a casino. Insiders who live here don’t."