City's Surprise Coney Island Plan Includes Boardwalk Redo, Affordable Units

By Adam Daly, amNY

Coney Island is set to undergo a sweeping transformation under new city plans to bring 1,500 mixed-income homes to the People’s Playground, alongside substantial investments in the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk, utilities, and other infrastructure.

The Abe Stark Sports Center will also undergo a $42 million renovation, including a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, improved ice-skating facilities, and other amenities.

Mayor Eric Adams announced the plans on Thursday as part of his administration’s larger vision to reinvigorate the area and “turn this waterfront community into the best place to raise a family, live, and play.”

“We are delivering mixed-income affordable housing, investing $42 million to renovate the Abe Stark Sports Center, and making significant improvements across streets, sewers, and the public realm,” said Adams. “Coney Island’s best days still lie ahead. Today, we started the next chapter in its bright future.”

The city’s development efforts will begin with the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for a 500-plus-unit mixed-income housing project on “Parcel A,” a city-owned site located between West 21st and 22nd streets. This development, part of the broader “Coney Island West” initiative, will provide a combination of affordable housing and retail space, with 25 percent of the units designated as affordable.

According to the city, the $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center will bring improved facilities, including a new entrance and ice-skating amenities, making it a more accessible and modern space for the community.

The Riegelmann Boardwalk — which locals have long said is in dire need of repairs and modernization — will undergo a significant reconstruction to enhance its accessibility and resilience to rising sea levels.

“These improvements to the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk and the Abe Stark Sports Center will help ensure that New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy all that Coney Island has to offer for generations to come, reaping the mental and physical health benefits of time outdoors,” said NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue.

In total, the city is advancing the development of approximately 1,500 new homes on city-owned land near the ballpark, boardwalk, and sports center. The development, which began with the construction of affordable housing projects like Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall, will continue with additional residential buildings and commercial spaces. Two new streets, Parachute Way and Ocean Way, are included in the plans, as are sewer upgrades.

The project also focuses on preparing for extreme weather events and climate change. Shoreline enhancements along Coney Island Creek are in progress, with a $2.1 million FEMA grant funding infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding risks.

“The projects underway in Coney Island West will bring hundreds of new, affordable homes to the community and help deliver on the mayor’s commitment to consider all publicly owned lots for new housing development,” said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the NYC Economic Development Corporation.

Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in amNY. Click here to see the original story.

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