Coney Island on the Cusp of Change
March 06, 2008
People the world over have a nostalgic attraction to Coney Island. Even today, after years of decline, its boardwalk attracts literally millions of visitors. But, as the city and private developers embark on a plan to remake “Sodom by the Sea”, the world’s playground is likely to change greatly.
The city’s rezoning plan aims to retain and improve the area’s amusement character, and promote Coney Island’s growth into a year-round, vibrant and affordable entertainment destination — allowing for the construction of hotels, water parks, entertainment retail, and restaurants. Read MAS comments on the Draft Scope of Analysis for the Coney Island Rezoning Project Environmental Impact Statement here.
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MAS Expresses Concern Over Coney Island Plans
August 01, 2008
Last November, the City released its new plan to revitalize Coney Island, and the MAS testified at a subsequent public hearing that it strongly supporting the concept of restoring “America’s Playground” to its rightful place as New York’s premier waterfront amusement and entertainment area.
In April, the City announced a new iteration of the plan (that can be viewed here) that reduced the area set aside for open-air amusements from 16 acres to 9 acres, within the context of an overall “Amusement Area” that would include entertainment-oriented retail, enclosed amusements and hotels. Continue reading...