The “Summer of Hope” in Coney Island is now smaller. Half the carnival rides on developer Joe Sitt’s land are gone (as was planned) and the temporary amusements have now been reduced. The petting zoo across the street has also left town. The rides have been replaced by parking and the blue fence that was down temporarily around some of Mr. Sitt’s land on Stillwell Avenue near the boardwalk is back up. Meanwhile, there’s a crazy rumor on the Coney Island Message Board that Astroland’s lease will be extended past this season, although there is no substantiation or further elaboration.