For more than a century, New Yorkers and visitors alike have enjoyed the fascination, freedom, and diversity of the world-famous urban amusement destination known as "The People’s Playground."
Overview
Coney Island is home to 50,000 residents, many of whom are low- and middle-income. Through zoning, mapping, and capital investments, the City’s Comprehensive Plan for Coney Island will reinvigorate this fabled amusement and entertainment destination while bringing much-needed housing, retail, services, amenities and career opportunities to the larger neighborhood.
Luna Park & Scream Zone
On November 13, 2009, NYCEDC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for amusement and entertainment operators for approximately 6.5 acres of property in the heart of the Coney Island amusement district. The release of the RFP came upon the announcement of an agreement between NYCEDC and the predominant land owner in Coney Island, Thor Equities, for NYCEDC’s purchase of the property. the contract was awarded to Central Amusements International (CAI).
On May 28, 2010 Mayor Michael Bloomberg and CAI celebrated the opening of Luna Park at Coney Island, a new 3.1 acre amusement park featuring 19 traditional and cutting edge rides from Zamperla S.P.A, the renowned Italian designer and manufacturer of amusement attractions. It is the first amusement park to open in Coney Island in nearly 50 years and more than doubled Coney Island's amusement area. The park takes its name from the original Luna Park, which operated at Coney Island from 1903 to 1946. Visitorship reached a 40-year high in 2010: over 3.5 million passengers took the subway to Coney Island. In its inaugural season, Luna Park employed approximately 200 people, 60% of whom resided in the Coney Island area. This number will grow for the 2011 season, as 300+ jobs will be available.
Scream Zone at Coney Island, which opened in Summer 2011, is the second stage of development from CAI. It will feature four additional "thrill" rides: The Steeplechase, Zenobio, the Volare, and the Sling Shot.
Luna Park opened to the public on May 29, 2010.
Visit http://www.ConeyIslandFunGuide.com for the latest ride, attraction and event information about Coney Island or http://www.lunaparknyc.com/.
Transformation of Luna Park
The Amusement Area
Coney Island of the late-19th and early-20th century was a site to behold. Steeplechase Park, Dreamland, Luna Park and everything around and between them established Coney as the world’s most iconic urban amusement park.
Today, Coney Island is still a favorite summer destination. On any summer day, Coney’s beach and boardwalk teem with a wondrously eclectic mix of families and freaks. They ride the landmark Wonder Wheel and Cyclone, and visit the New York Aquarium and Coney Island Sideshow. Since 2001, the Brooklyn Cyclones have played 32 home games a year at MCU (formerly KeySpan) Park, and the Mermaid Parade, Nathan’s Famous’ Hot Dog Eating Contest and the Siren Music Festival make the list of New York’s favorite events. The millions of visitors that come each year serve as a testament to the enduring love for this magical place.
The Larger Neighborhood
Coney Island is also a residential neighborhood; like the amusement area, brimming with potential, however:
- The unemployment rate in Coney Island is more than twice as high as the rest of the city.
- Much of the housing stock in Coney Island is subsidized through government programs, and one in six residents lives in a NYCHA development; the area lacks a diversity of housing and offers few options to current or prospective residents.
- The commercial development boom that has benefited surrounding neighborhoods in recent years has largely missed Coney Island; the neighborhood still lacks basic retail and services, such as bookstores, groceries, and sit-down restaurants.
- Long-vacant lots and seasonally-shuttered businesses have contributed to a decreased quality of life in much of the Coney Island neighborhood; lapses in infrastructure point to a clear need for both private and public investment under a comprehensive plan for neighborhood improvement.
Moving forward, the development of Luna Park is one phase of the City's Coney Island Revitalization Plan. The successes of Luna Park's inaugural season laid a foundation for progress in the continued revitalization of Coney Island.
CIDC and the Strategic Plan
In September 2003, the Mayor, the City Council and the Brooklyn Borough President formed the Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC) to spearhead and implement a comprehensive planning process for Coney Island and create a coordinated economic development strategy for the area.
After a long public outreach process, in September 2005, the CIDC released the Coney Island Strategic Plan, which outlined key goals:
- Year-round activity through new entertainment, retail and mixed-income residential.
- Enhanced amusement and seaside resort attractions.
- A vibrant neighborhood with activity and opportunities for everyone.
For detailed information on The Strategic Plan, please visit the CIDC website.
Marketing and Programming
NYCEDC and its partners are continually working to market and program Coney Island. In addition to ongoing maintenance of the beach and boardwalk, the CIDC is operating the Coney Island Fun Guide website, a resource for events, rides, amusements, eating and shopping in Coney Island. Additional event updates are posted on Facebook and Twitter. While the Strategic Plan progresses, Coney Island is still vibrant, fun and fascinating. CIDC is proud to be collaborating with the Coney Island community to get the word out that Coney Island is "The One and Only Coney."
