Current Coney Island Initiatives
City of New York projects for Coney Island
The Coney Island Development Corporation was formed in September 2003 by the Mayor, the City Council and the Brooklyn Borough President. The 13-member Board of the CIDC includes City officials, local and Brooklyn-wide business and community leaders. It is charged with spearheading and implementing a comprehensive planning process for Coney Island and creating a coordinated economic development strategy for the area. In March 2004, the CIDC selected the team of Ernst & Young LLP and Davis Brody Bond LLP to create a strategic development plan for Coney Island. In developing the plan, the consultants have devised a strategy for implementing short- and long-term improvements to the Coney Island community that include physical and economic changes. The plan builds on the existing business base and will develop vacant property and market the area for a variety of year-round uses. The plan's expected completion is scheduled for January 2005.
Parachute Jump Lighting Program
The New York City Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the New York City - Department of Parks and Recreation is collaborating on a project to illuminate the Parachute Jump. The project is being funded by the Brooklyn Borough President and the lighting program is being designed by Leni Schwendinger of Light Projects Ltd. The program will include architectural lighting, seasonal lighting and special events lighting. Project completion is scheduled for June 2005.
Additional Initiatives for Coney Island
Astella Development Corporation is a not-for-profit community-based organization founded in 1975 by Coney Island residents who were concerned about the deterioration of their community. Astella is dedicated to providing affordable housing, commercial revitalization and improving the quality of life in the Coney Island community. Astella has developed nearly 1000 affordable homes in the Coney Island area, as well as some mixed-use buildings. Astella provides assistance to potential home buyers, counsels tenants and landlords, and coordinates educational workshops. Astella also helps businesses by coordinating seminars and promotions, providing technical assistance to merchants, and developing new commercial space. In June 2003, Astella released Coney Island: A Vision Plan, prepared by TAMS Consultants with the participation of community leaders, business owners and city agencies.
Coney Island USA is a not-for-profit corporation based in the amusement park area of Coney Island. In existence since 1983, Coney Island USA develops and produces different programs over the course of the year, including the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, and, in association with www.indiefilmpage.com, the Coney Island Saturday Night Film Series and the Coney Island Film Festival. Under the leadership of Founder and President Dick Zigun, Coney Island USA seeks to revitalize the community through an imaginative and innovative approach combining the performing and visual arts, attracting international recognition and visitors while providing low-cost entertainment to a diverse New York City audience. Coney Island USA is funded, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York State Assemblywoman Adele Cohen.
Friends of the Boardwalk, Inc., was founded to provide a mechanism through which interested citizens could work to revitalize and rehabilitate the Riegelmann Boardwalk and the beaches and environs of Coney Island/Brighton Beach. At present, they are surveying potential areas for boardwalk improvements. Friends of the Boardwalk’s ongoing programs include environmental initiatives such as beach cleanups, anti-graffiti paint-overs and ongoing studies of beach debris and the Boardwalk. |
