Eddie M. Esses and Sari J. Setton
In a decisive victory for community advocacy, the proposal to bring a casino to Coney Island has effectively been defeated, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of the Sephardic Community Federation (SCF).
After five years of dedicated opposition, including an especially intense campaign over the last 10 months, SCF’s leadership and grassroots mobilization helped secure commitments from four key local officials whose decision determined the project’s fate. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Councilman Justin Brannan, and Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny have each formally announced they will vote NO on the casino plan. These four “NO” votes effectively end the Coney Island casino proposal, with the decision set to be made official on September 29.
This outcome is a testament to the perseverance of SCF and its leaders, most notably Sam Sutton and Ronnie Tawil, who guided the effort with vision and determination. Through sustained advocacy, coalition-building, and community outreach, SCF ensured that the concerns of our community, which almost unanimously opposed the project, were not only heard but prioritized.
The campaign drew strength from years of hard work: countless meetings with elected officials, mobilization of community members, and consistent messaging about the potential risks a casino would bring to our neighborhoods and families. By focusing on protecting community values and preserving the character of our neighborhoods, SCF successfully framed the debate and persuaded key decision-makers.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly, through advocacy, outreach, and collaboration, to make this outcome possible,” SCF said in a statement. “Your voices were heard, and together we made a difference.”
The defeat of the Coney Island casino is more than just a policy win. It is a powerful example of what sustained, organized community activism can achieve. For SCF and its partners, this victory reaffirms the importance of persistence, unity, and a commitment to safeguarding the future of our community.
