September 15, 2005

$83 million pledged toward Coney redevelopment

Run-down Coney Island will get $83 million of public funds to redevelop the storied beach and turn it into a year-round destination with a midway and new Parachute Pavilion, city officials said Wednesday.

Much of the plan match details previously released earlier in the draft plan for Coney Island, including hopes for a hotel and spa and the Stillwell Avenue Midway.

"This plan will preserve Coney's famed freakishness and fun-loving spirit, while residents and businesses benefit from their neighborhood's rebirth as a 24/7 tourist and family destination," Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said. "The whole world knows that Coney Island is the ultimate in American character and funk. Coney Island has been called America's playground and it will be so again."

Boardwalk improvements should be finished before 2008 but a redesigned Stillwell Midway and cultural center wouldn't be ready until at least a year later, according to the Associated Press.

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September 15, 2005 02:02 PM in Out of Manhattan

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