The historic Coney Island could be about to gain a number of new attractions after the City of New York called for development of 150,000sq ft (14,000sq m) of new attractions along its boardwalk.
The joint request for proposals (RFP) from the New York City Economic Development Corporations and the Parks Department (NYCEDC) was released on 6 February, calling for development of land along the boardwalk in the middle of its amusement district.
The plans build on existing developments of Coney Island’s boardwalk, which received investments of US$137m (€128m, £110.5m) in infrastructure improvements in 2009, when the city also rezoned the amusement district.
Five parcels of land have been allocated for the proposed works, all sitting along the boardwalk near the Thunderbolt and Wonder Wheel rides, and further out towards MCU Park – home to the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team.
“Coney Island just keeps getting better,” said NYCEDC president and chief executive James Patchett. “The de Blasio administration is working to grow jobs in the amusement district, build affordable housing and invest in critical infrastructure.
"It’s all part of our effort to improve quality of life and expand opportunities for Coney Island residents while preserving the unique culture of this historic destination.”
Responses to the RFP will be due by 17 March. If plans are approved, the new attractions will be open to the public by Q3 2018.
