Has anyone heard abour Coney Island getting a "make over"?What do you think of that, and will you go to check

Question

it out? Opinions,please,and thanks!

Answer 1

Mr. "Kvetcher"s answer needs an alternate point of view...

I was at Coney Island yesterday, as it was the last day of the season for Astroland. The new Stillwell Ave. subway station is beautiful, and the 8th St. station (near the Aquarium and Cyclone) is in fine shape too.

Astroland and Wonder Wheel park were very clean and well cared for. Sure, a lot of the seediness of the Boardwalk and Surf Ave. is still there. I talked to a hot dog vendor who came here from Greece 40 years ago. Should he be kicked out of his stand?

The plan for Thor's high rise towers is at least on hold, though the Daily News says it's dead in the water. The reason is that Thor changed its mind on the proposed condo high-rise, and instead intended it to hold time shares. Who would occupy these? Not Brooklynites, or other New Yorkers.

Thor Equities also seems to have a habit of getting favorable zoning changes and city subsidies, then flipping the property. Google Thor and Albee Square to read more about this.

Sure, parts of Coney Island could use cleaning up, but not at the expense of the hard working people who maintain businesses there, nor the millions of folks who visit every year... many of whom may not be able to afford a visit to an upscale "theme park" a la Las Vegas or Orlando.

Personally, I would not want to see Coney Island become another mall or anything too "corporate". There is too much of this already in New York, and everywhere in the US. Too many "Mom + Pop" businesses are being squeezed out by corporate chains. The Moms + Pops are the people who built this country and gave it its soul and character. That's the real American Dream, not managing a Starbucks...

Many of the folks characterized as "Kvetchers" are not trying to block a renovation of the area entirely, but are trying to assure that it be done with the best interests of Brooklynites, and all New Yorkers in mind. Checks and balances, public input, and indeed "Kvetchers" are necessary to make sure that corporate interests don't run roughshod over the interests of citizens.

Thor has not shown that it can be trusted, so we must remain suspicious of their intent and vigilant. If that makes me a "Kvetcher", so be it.

BTW, the Cyclone is still in great shape and is a true landmark and classic ride. I suggest a ride or two on it to get into the Coney Island spirit. (I rode it 5 times yesterday!)

peace


.

Answer 2

Coney Island in New York!!!!!!!!!!! When I was a girl living in Alabama, that was all I heard about. The Boardwalk and the delicious hot dogs, the music and all the rides and fun people had. Sadly, when I was able to get to New York, things were different. Time had taken its toll. I do remember the 66 World's Fair! It would be a blast - but honestly - I don't know if I'd go back there. It would never be the same.

Answer 3

Apparently the Thor Group wants to tear down Astroland Amusement Park and also build one or two high-rise condo towers. Since I'm a native Brooklynite I know that the "kvetchers" are out in full force against this renovation. I returned to the borough after a 44 year absence in June of 2001 to attend the first pro baseball game in the borough since the Dodgers' departure. The Stillwell Avenue subway terminal was in dreadful condition. I know it's been fixed up since then. Everything in and around Surf Avenue looked seedy and rundown, with the exception of the new jewel of a ball park, Keyspan Park.
I went back in 2004. The same weed-filled lot sat next to the ballpark and Surf Avenue looked as grubby as it did three years earlier.
I don't think the planned maskeover will take place very soon. The same for the Atlantic Yards project with the new arena. Why? Those self-same "kvetchers". I think the NYC Board of Health needs to find their breeding ground and eradicate it. LOL!

Answer 4

ran out of opinions fer now, bye (xOx).''