Coney Island is at a crossroads. On one side, we have the chance, with a new casino, to revitalize an area that is in need of help. On the other side, is continuing to do the same thing.
As a former member of the City Council, I had the distinct honor of representing Coney Island, working alongside Mayor Mike Bloomberg to secure the 2010 rezoning of the community. From the very beginning, our vision was clear: Coney Island should be more than just a seasonal attraction. We envisioned a year-round destination, a vibrant hub with hotels, entertainment venues, and abundant economic opportunities for the community it serves.
Having been in a position to shape policy and understand the community’s needs firsthand, I understand the difficult decisions elected officials now face regarding the proposed entertainment center and casino. These choices are never easy; they carry the power to shape the future of an entire community.
I vividly recall sitting through countless hours of public hearings, where voices opposed to the rezoning were loud and persistent. However, it soon became clear that many of those voices did not belong to actual residents of Coney Island. Those who did live in the community and spoke out against the project were often the same individuals who had long resisted any efforts to revitalize the neighborhood.
Back then, I walked the streets, met with religious leaders, and spoke to countless residents, listening to their hopes and concerns. Today, I continue to hear a consistent message from the community: they want change. They want jobs, economic investment, public safety, and opportunities for their families.
Coney Island currently suffers from a staggering 17% unemployment rate. What better way to address this critical issue than by welcoming a world-class entertainment venue that includes a casino? This project promises thousands of jobs, with priority given to local residents, sparking long-term, transformative growth for our community.
I remember that during the 2010 rezoning, my family and I endured months of protests. People picketed outside my office and even my home, shouting cruel words in front of my children. It was a challenging time, but I explained to them that leadership comes with challenges and that true leadership means doing what is right, not what is easy or popular. Looking back today, I know we made the right decision.
That rezoning led to real, tangible improvements for Coney Island. It brought a new gym at PS188, hundreds of units of affordable housing, an upgraded amusement district with new rides, sewer system improvements, a revitalized Kaiser Park, a new home for Coney Island USA, a new YMCA, and many other projects that have uplifted the community. We laid the foundation for a brighter future, and now we have the chance to build upon that foundation.
Current elected officials have a similar opportunity to take Coney Island to the next level by transforming it into a true year-round destination. This project includes more than $200 million in community benefits, a community trust fund with residents at the table to help decide how the funds are used, and $75 million earmarked specifically for increased police and fire department presence. It also encompasses support for nonprofits, public housing, and neighborhood improvements.
But that is not all. The Coney also announced that they will be offering local residents a chance to own a piece of the project for just $100 — affording an equity stake to Coney Island families who buy affordable shares the opportunity to receive annual profit-sharing from the project’s operations. Additionally, The Coney announced that if granted a gaming license, it will donate $5 million to support Coney Island community based organizations that provide emergency food services. As long as The Coney exists, the organizations that feed children in need will be supported in their efforts.
These benefits represent not just promises, but a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly rebuild and reimagine Coney Island. This is a chance to create lasting prosperity, enhance public safety, and empower residents to shape their community’s future.
Coney Island for generations has been a place where people have come to be entertained. But today it needs help. It needs to grow, expand and become a true year-round destination. The Coney can be that destination. Therefore, I leave today’s elected officials with this thought: We have a chance to change this community for the better. Let’s take this opportunity, create thousands of jobs, and help turn the dreams of Coney Island residents into a vibrant reality.
Recchia is a former member of the City Council representing Coney Island.