The New York City Planning Commission has voted to approve a proposal for a massive casino and entertainment complex in Coney Island—marking a major milestone in what’s become one of the city’s most controversial development plans. But while the approval moves the project forward, its future still hangs on a key decision from the state. The proposed project, called The Coney, would span three blocks along Surf Avenue, between Maimonides Park and Luna Park. Developers hope to build a 1.3 million square foot complex featuring a casino, hotel, convention center, retail space, and more. Most commissioners voted in favor of the land use application, but Juan Camilo Osorio opposed it, saying the plan still fails to meet several recommendations from the Brooklyn borough president. He pointed to the sky bridge design, insufficient public amenities, and weak street improvement plans that don’t fully address flood risk. “This includes the design of the sky bridge and the lack of sufficient public amenities. In addition, the street improvements need to be stronger in order to consider future flood risk,” Osorio said during the vote. The application now heads to the New York City Council for a public hearing and final vote. However, even if approved by the Council, the development still faces a much bigger hurdle: Obtaining one of only three downstate casino licenses from the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board. Nearly a dozen proposals are competing for those limited licenses. Final proposals are due to the board by June 27, with votes expected in September and a final decision set for December 1. Local reaction to the plan has been mixed. In January, Brooklyn’s Community Board 13 voted against the land use change by a margin of 24 to 11. Some community members have raised concerns about traffic, crime, and the displacement of small businesses, while others have supported the project for its potential to bring jobs and investment to the neighborhood. Even with the Planning Commission’s support, the developers of The Coney still face stiff competition and a long approval process. News 12 will continue to track developments as the proposal heads to the City Council and beyond.