Coney Island itself may be quiet, but the release of Coney v 2.1 a couple of weeks ago continues to stir the pot.
1) A poll commissioned by would-be Coney developer Thor Equities and obtained by the Post shows that 76 percent of area residents "do not want city officials to block a $1.5 billion investment in Coney Island to expand amusement attractions and bring new restaurants and retail outlets to the community." Residents, though, weren't asked to weigh in on Thor's plans to build housing along the boardwalk or four highrises up to 40 stories tall.
2) Thor may be planning Coney demolitions long before its project is approved. It says it will use vacant land for "site construction preparation." According to the Brooklyn View, "There is a growing concern that before the project ever comes to fruition, businesses and employees along the strip will lose business, unemployment will rise and a gaping hole among the areas under construction will reduce tourism during the summertime." (There's also concern the developer is clearing property to flip it at a big profit.)
3) The city will spend $5.5 million to buy a new home for the Coney Island Museum and Coney Island USA. The Bay Ridge Courier says that founder Dick Zigun (who is also a board member of the Coney Island Development Corp.) is focusing on purchasing the building on Surf Avenue the organization currently occupies.
· Developer's Idea Has Coney Islanders Saying Bring it On [NYP]
· Coney Island Museum to Survive Sea Change [Bay Ridge Courier]
· Here's Coney Island v 2.1 [Curbed]