© 2009 New York City Department of City Planning
RPA presented testimony this past Wednesday July 1st to the City Council, expressing support for the Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan. Over the past generation nearly all of New York's iconic places, including Central and Prospect Parks, Times Square and Grand Central Terminal have been reclaimed, reinvented and given new life in our 21st Century metropolis. One of the last of these as-yet-to-be reclaimed iconic places is Coney Island.
The proposed plan is well-designed since it builds on Coney Island's unique history, character, and culture by preserving its remaining iconic features. And it develops a vibrant urban amusement and entertainment destination that would be open to the public and provide entertainments at a range of price levels in all seasons. This will foster economic activity that creates job opportunities for local residents by creating year round activity and bringing new housing and retail services to the neighborhood. We believe the plan under review calls for an ambitious and implementable vision of both outdoor and indoor amusement, supporting commercial activity and new housing. It would vastly improve the area and help achieve a thriving and welcoming Coney Island for the 21st Century.
RPA presented testimony this past Wednesday July 1st to the City Council, expressing support for the Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan. Over the past generation nearly all of New York's iconic places, including Central and Prospect Parks, Times Square and Grand Central Terminal have been reclaimed, reinvented and given new life in our 21st Century metropolis. One of the last of these as-yet-to-be reclaimed iconic places is Coney Island.
The proposed plan is well-designed since it builds on Coney Island's unique history, character, and culture by preserving its remaining iconic features. And it develops a vibrant urban amusement and entertainment destination that would be open to the public and provide entertainments at a range of price levels in all seasons. This will foster economic activity that creates job opportunities for local residents by creating year round activity and bringing new housing and retail services to the neighborhood. We believe the plan under review calls for an ambitious and implementable vision of both outdoor and indoor amusement, supporting commercial activity and new housing. It would vastly improve the area and help achieve a thriving and welcoming Coney Island for the 21st Century.
Beginning in the early 20th century with the expansion of the subway and the creation of the Stillwell Avenue stop, Coney Island became the premier destination for New Yorkers seeking an escape from the crowded city. Coney Island's most well-known attractions include Nathan's Famous original hot dog stand, the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone, and the beach itself.
Following World War II, however, with the closing of all of Coney Island's major parks, attendance fell and many of Coney Island's attractions fell into disrepair. In the 1950s, Robert Moses pushed to rezone much of the area for residential use, and in the ensuing decades many public housing projects were built.
Today, Coney Island continues to embody "the spirit of accessibility," in the words of the Department of City Planning. Thousands flock to the area to go to the beach, participate in the Mermaid Parade, or watch the annual Nathan's hotdog eating contest. However, only a small number of blocks feature seasonal amusement attractions, as reported in the Department of City Planning Coney Island rezoning proposal. The reality of the place is that it is now composed largely of vacant lots and a small number of entertainment uses.
In light of Coney Island's storied history, The Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan preserves the authenticity and diversity of the area's amusements and its visitors and residents. RPA wants to ensure that the proposed project is successful and truly accommodates the needs of this amusements and entertainment destination. To this effect we suggest the following principles should guide this project: (1) Develop Coney Island as a truly regional destination, (2) Serve a wide range of incomes; (3) Maximize transit access to the site and (4) Expand housing affordability and other assets for local residents.
Read the full testimony of L. Nicolas Ronderos, RPA Director of Urban Development, and watch the slideshow presentation of the Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan at the New York City Department of City Planning.
Following World War II, however, with the closing of all of Coney Island's major parks, attendance fell and many of Coney Island's attractions fell into disrepair. In the 1950s, Robert Moses pushed to rezone much of the area for residential use, and in the ensuing decades many public housing projects were built.
Today, Coney Island continues to embody "the spirit of accessibility," in the words of the Department of City Planning. Thousands flock to the area to go to the beach, participate in the Mermaid Parade, or watch the annual Nathan's hotdog eating contest. However, only a small number of blocks feature seasonal amusement attractions, as reported in the Department of City Planning Coney Island rezoning proposal. The reality of the place is that it is now composed largely of vacant lots and a small number of entertainment uses.
In light of Coney Island's storied history, The Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan preserves the authenticity and diversity of the area's amusements and its visitors and residents. RPA wants to ensure that the proposed project is successful and truly accommodates the needs of this amusements and entertainment destination. To this effect we suggest the following principles should guide this project: (1) Develop Coney Island as a truly regional destination, (2) Serve a wide range of incomes; (3) Maximize transit access to the site and (4) Expand housing affordability and other assets for local residents.
Read the full testimony of L. Nicolas Ronderos, RPA Director of Urban Development, and watch the slideshow presentation of the Coney Island Comprehensive Rezoning Plan at the New York City Department of City Planning.
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