Coney Island to add 150,000 square feet of new rides and attractions by 2018
Hold onto your hats, friends, because Coney Island is getting another 150,000 square feet of fun and amusement. On Monday, The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation put out a request for proposals (RFP) for new rides, games and other attractions to be located on five vacant, city-owned parcels bound by Surf Avenue and the Coney Island Boardwalk. The sites are highly covetable and sit in the midst existing offers like Luna Park and, of course, the iconic Wonder Wheel.
The move is part of a long-running program kicked off under the Bloomberg administration’s 2009 rezoning plan to redevelop and expand the amusement area to support new businesses, employment and affordable housing.
“Coney Island just keeps getting better,” said NYCEDC President and Chief Executive Officer James Patchett in a press statement. “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.”
According to the RFP, the city is seeking ideas for the creation and management of “amusements, games and/or ancillary entertainment attractions” that will maintain “Coney Island’s tradition of public access.” Speaking to the latter point, major emphasis has been placed on the affordability of the new offer and keeping in theme with Coney Island as “the People’s Playground.” Works undertaken would also include the repair of roads and local infrastructure, and the NYCEDC and Parks Department will lease the sites for 10 years with the operator.
If all goes as planned, the new attractions will be up and running by the summer of 2018.
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