For years, Coney Island has been left behind. As much of Brooklyn and New York City experienced a renaissance, Coney Island has remained stagnant. Part of this is because the city and state have not invested here and in doing so allowed our beloved community to fall by the wayside. But Coney Island also must look internally at some of our leaders who for too long have simply said “no” to everything. Never is this more clear than the debate over The Coney, a project that would actually bring jobs and economic development to this community. 

“The Coney,” the casino seeking approval in the People’s Playground, will create a $200 million community trust fund to support the area if it’s approved, the development team announced on Thursday.

Coney Island hoopers’ dreams have just gotten brighter, thanks to a $50,000 donation that rehabilitated the basketball courts at Surfside Gardens. This grant from The Coney, the team behind the neighborhood’s proposed casino, brought a major makeover to the New York City Housing Authority development with complete resurfacing, new hoops and nets, improved lighting, and fresh paint.

As they workshop their proposal to open a new casino in Coney Island, Thor Equities, the team of developers behind the bid, have announced they believe the new gaming facility would bring roughly 4,000 union jobs to the neighborhood.

“I get to put passion where my mouth is and do something epic by bringing economic stability to Coney Island,” Cornegy told Brooklyn Paper last month. “This is one of those projects that I am proud to be on because it takes a seasonal community and turns it into a year-round economic development.”

“This project represents Brooklyn’s next big moment, and I can’t think of a better place for a world-class entertainment venue than right here in Coney Island.”