The photo above comes from Jones Walk in Coney Island via the Coney Island Message Board where people are wondering what the markings–which clearly indicate the presence of underground cables and other lines–mean. Is there construction plannned? The ownership of the property is not even clear, although some neighboring structures are owned by developer Joe Sitt, leading to speculation that Thor’s bulldozers might be revving up for the same kind of wintertime fun they had two years ago. Another leading theory is that it has something to do with Verizon’s plans to instal Fios service in Coney. (Note to Verizon: We’re not sure the boardwalk should a priority for Fios service right now.) Meanwhile, the Coney Island Development Corp. sent out the first press release it’s distributed in a long time to tout its purchase of an acre of Wonder Wheel Park and promise that it’s the first in a series of planned acquisitions (that would, needless to say, seriously interfere with Mr. Sitt’s development plans should he choose not to cooperate with the city).
Here’s what the CIDC has to say about last week’s bombshell announcement that it had bought land once coveted by Thor Equities:
As you may know by now, there was great news last week regarding the future of Coney Island, as NYC Economic Development Corporation announced the City’s purchase of a key one-acre parcel along the Boardwalk. This purchase — which was characterized in the press as “a step closer to the Bloomberg administration’s plans to retain the historic character of Coney Island” and hailed in the blogs as _a huge development” — will ensure that the property now housing Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park will become part of a permanently protected amusement zone under the City’s proposed Coney Island rezoning…the purchase of the Ward property is just the first of what are expected to be a series of land acquisitions in the coming year as the City proceeds with its vision to create a 21st century, year-round entertainment destination and protect Coney Island’s amusement legacy in perpetuity. For far too long, Coney Island has suffered from the lack of private investment in new amusements and has seen the ongoing closure and demolition of many long-standing amusement destinations. The City’s strategic decision to map the historical amusement area as parkland and then develop a world-class amusement park is the only way to ensure Coney Island’s legacy for generations to come, and last week’s positive news shows that we’re definitely headed on the path toward success.
In fact, this announcement is especially timely, as the Coney Island Development Corporation in concert with the City is beginning to lay the groundwork for the eventual development of an amusement park Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be attending the world’s preeminent amusement industry convention next month. CIDC will have a booth at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2008 in Orlando and we will be actively seeking information and making industry contacts that will inform our efforts to develop a new amusement destination truly worthy of the name “Coney Island.”
We_ll be back in touch soon with additional updates and information, but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact the CIDC at 212-312-4233 with any questions or concerns.
Only time will tell if the city’s plans are realized, particularly with the Mayor going after a third term in office.
