Vacant Coney Island land will give rise to new attractions

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Parks Department have issued a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop 150,000 square feet of space along the Coney Island boardwalk, between Surf Avenue and West 16th Street and West 10th Street. (h/t Brooklyn Paper)

The land mass is divided into five parcels of unused land, which sit adjacent to Wonder Wheel, Luna Park, and MCU Park (where the Coney Island Cyclones play in the summer). The city is seeking proposals that will align with Coney Island’s history as an affordable, family-friendly destination with unique culture and atmosphere.

The larger expansion of Coney Island began in 2009, when another city-issued RFP led to the creation of Luna Park, a theme park that now sits on the site of what was once Astroland. Luna Park’s attractions were added thanks to a rezoning of the neighborhood, which also introduced both affordable and market-rate housing into Coney Island.

According to the EDC, the city is looking for proposals that “could include amusements and entertainment uses such as rides, attractions, concerts and other performances.” Along with adding more attractions, any new development would ideally also create job opportunities for the community.

NYCEDC via Brooklyn Paper

“The new attractions coming to Coney Island will bring significant economic opportunities to this neighborhood, and give visitors yet another reason to visit New York’s most iconic beach and boardwalk,” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said in a statement.

If all goes according to plan, Coney Island’s newest attractions could be ready to debut to the public by summer 2018.

• More rides, attractions coming to Coney Island [Brooklyn Paper]