Funding Secured for a Total Rebuild of Coney Island’s Riegelmann Boardwalk

by Olivia Seaman, Brooklyn Paper

The iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is set for a full, end-to-end rebuild after the city secured $1 billion to reconstruct the 2.4-mile Coney Island span, according to a New York City Parks Department presentation shared with Brooklyn Paper.

The project, described as a complete reconstruction “from piles to topside,” will replace the nearly century-old structure’s support system, decking, and utilities, while upgrading access points and several adjacent Parks Department buildings. NYC Parks will partner with the city’s Economic Development Corporation on design and construction.

The funding, according to the presentation, was secured by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and term-limited Council Member Justin Brannan.

Images included in the presentation depict a boardwalk rebuilt to modern standards, with a consistent width of about 80 feet along most of its stretch from West 37th Street to Brighton 15th Street. The plans call for continuous replacement of piles, decking, and infrastructure beneath the surface — a long-anticipated overhaul after years of storm-related damage and costly patchwork repairs.

NYC Parks previously completed a pre-design study to define the project’s technical requirements and outline the scope of work. Design timelines have not yet been released, and construction is still years away, with funding allocated through 2032.

Brannan, who confirmed the plans, said the project marks a turning point for Coney Island.

“For generations, Coney Island has seen its share of snake oil salesmen promising us the moon but delivering dust. I’ve spent a lot of time sweeping up the shards of broken promises they’ve left behind,” he said. “But the time for hand-wringing, arguing, wishing upon a false star, and kicking the can down the road is over. It’s time to get this done. I thank Mayor Adams for his partnership on this — we’ve worked very hard to get here.”

Brannan added that the project reflects long-term commitments to the neighborhood.

“This is the legacy project Coney Island deserves and the community will be involved every step of the way,” he said. “But the most important part — the funding — has been secured.”

The Riegelmann Boardwalk — officially designated a scenic landmark in 2018 — is one of Brooklyn’s most heavily visited public spaces, serving millions of New Yorkers and tourists each year. It marked its 100th anniversary amid renewed calls for redevelopment following the absence of a formal centennial celebration.

The Parks Department said a formal announcement on the development plans will be released Friday morning. The agency pointed to a September mayoral release in which Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a $93 billion Capital Commitment Plan aimed at “lifting working-class New Yorkers, promoting health and safety, and boosting affordable housing production,” under which the Coney Island reconstruction falls.

“This plan makes the smart and forward-looking investments in the capital and infrastructure projects that will build our future,” Adams said. “We do not have time to wait to deliver the real relief New York City needs.”

Jeff Sanoff, chair of Brooklyn’s Community Board 13, told Brooklyn Paper that while the process will be long, he is “looking forward to what’s next.”

“I also want to thank Commissioner Marty Maher for advocating for this billion-dollar project for an iconic landmark in New York City, especially the Coney Island and Brighton Beach neighborhoods where this landmark is located,” Sanoff said.

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

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• Coney Island’s Riegelmann Boardwalk Turns 100 as Locals Call for Much-Needed Repairs
• Coney Island Locals Frustrated Over Delays to Repair of Historic Boardwalk

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