Among the things we love about Coney Island is that just when you think the news can’t get any more odd, it does. Take, for instance, this story about Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, developer Joe Sitt and fixing the decrepit Coney Island boardwalk. Apparently, Ms. Gotbaum “is in talks” with Mr. Sitt “and will ask him about possibility of paying for repairs to the crumbling boardwalk.” That’s the report in the new Bay News. We have no idea what Ms. Gotbaum could be in talks about with Mr. Sitt, but the timing of asking Mr. Sitt to kicking in boardwalk repair money when the city is considering a land swap to ensure the integrity of the amusement district is indeed curious. Here’s a sample of the story:

The idea of involving a private developer in a public space has evoked mixed feelings from local residents but the city Parks Department says it’s open to the possibility of financial assistance.

Department Spokesperson Phil Abramson explained, “A complete restoration of the entire boardwalk is required and we need a multimillion dollar allocation of capital funds for this to happen. While we hope to obtain public funds, we would also welcome donations from private individuals or businesses for this purpose.”

Given that the boardwalk is a major public asset, the penny-pinching by the city that has allowed it to fall into such an embarrassing state of disrepair is inexcusable. It needs to be stabilized quickly. While both Thor Equities and Taconic Investment, the two big Coney Island players, should be required to kick in some money for the repair project, the funding should be a public priority.

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