New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday said the city will invest in major infrastructure and housing initiatives in Coney Island.
The mayor said he is looking to add 1,500 new homes and invest in the reconstruction of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk, according to a press release. In addition, the city will invest in new streets, sewers, and public realm improvements, including a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center.
“Coney Island is America’s playground — home to iconic venues and parks, countless small businesses, and a hard-working community. Our administration is advancing a vision to turn this waterfront district into a great place to live, work, and play, contributing to making New York City the best place to raise a family,” said Adams.
The city Economic Development Corporation on Thursday released a Request for Proposals for an 80,000-square foot city-owned site located on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Streets. The future development of what is known as Parcel A will bring more than 500 mixed-income homes — 25% of which will be affordable — and ground-floor retail spaces.
Renovations to the Abe Stark Sports Center will include a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, improved ice-skating facilities and other amenities.
The boardwalk’s reconstruction will take place in phases and incorporate coastal resilience features, including elevation.
Development west of the amusement park area and Maimonides Park will be called Coney Island West, which includes Parcel A. When finished, it will add about 1,500 new homes. The development began with the construction of two affordable housing projects — Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall — which opened in 2019 and 2022, respectively. An additional affordable housing project, Luna Green, is currently under construction on the same block and another residential building is in the planning phase. The developments also comes with ground floor retail spaces.
Infrastructure improvements include a series of shoreline enhancements along Coney Island Creek to protect against rising sea levels and the impacts of climate change. Thanks to a $2.1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, the city is currently looking to mitigate upland flooding and enhance infrastructure around the creek.
Council Member Justin Brannan said the city's investment will look out for the people who call Coney Island home 12 months out of the year.
"This is the kind of investment it takes to make sure housing is available and truly affordable to the people of and from our community, and that great jobs and shopping are accessible to the people who live and breathe that Coney Island sea breeze every single day," he said.
