Mayor Bloomberg and Borough President Markowitz are at odds over bringing casino gambling to Coney Island. Markowitz says that the People’s Playground would be a perfect fit for what he sees as a job-and-money generator for the neighborhood, but Bloomberg — who is personally opposed to gambling — say there’s no proof casinos improve the areas they’re built in.
“Yes and no. Casinos generate money and employment but mess up the community. There are many low-income people in Coney Island that will end up gambling and lose their rent and food money. It will generate jobs, but create financial problems for many.”
Edward Rivera
Coney Island
Edward Rivera
Coney Island
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
We walked along the Boardwalk to see what both residents and visitors thought of bringing casinos to Coney Island:
“Casinos would be good in Coney Island because they would be close to my house.”
Mike Scodese
Gravesend
Mike Scodese
Gravesend
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
Reach Deputy Editor Thomas Tracy at ttracy@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2525.
“Yes, it brings money to the city.”
Howie Stozki
Dekran, New Jersey
Howie Stozki
Dekran, New Jersey
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
“I would love to see a casino in Coney Island. Casinos are cool.”
Anaelle Caroline
Paris, France
Anaelle Caroline
Paris, France
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
“I’m not in favor of bringing a casino here. It is gross gentrification”
Margaret Powers
Providence, RI
Margaret Powers
Providence, RI
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
