Coney Island

Coney Island’s 1890 lighthouse could be landmarked

Photo by Dennis Fraevich on Flickr

October 20, 2026

Coney Island’s 1890 lighthouse could be landmarked

By Devin Gannon

A historic lighthouse in Brooklyn may become a New York City landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to calendar the Coney Island Light, an iron-framed lighthouse built in 1890, for consideration as an individual landmark. One of the oldest structures in Coney Island, the lighthouse sits within the private community, Sea Gate. Since the neighborhood is closed off to non-residents, most New Yorkers have never been able to access the historic building, which is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and leased to the community's homeowners association. It's unclear whether a landmark designation would make it open to the public.
more here

$1B reconstruction of Coney Island boardwalk moves forward

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

October 1, 2026

$1B reconstruction of Coney Island boardwalk moves forward

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City is seeking a design team to lead the $1 billion reconstruction of Coney Island’s iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk. The city’s Economic Development Corporation and Department of Parks on Wednesday released a request for qualifications (RFQ) seeking a “progressive design-build team” to oversee the full reconstruction of the landmarked boardwalk, a project first announced in December. The project will reconstruct the 2.7-mile boardwalk, replace utilities and structural piles, and elevate portions of it.
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Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns on Saturday

All photos by Eliza Rinn, unless noted otherwise

June 16, 2026

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns on Saturday

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Mermaid Parade returns to the Coney Island boardwalk this Saturday for its 44th year, bringing its annual sea-themed celebration back to Brooklyn’s shoreline. Hosted by Coney Island USA, the event is the nation's biggest art parade, drawing around 5,000 participants in handmade sea-themed costumes and floats. This year's parade takes place on Saturday, June 20, at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
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Events & Things To Do

Nathan’s Famous, home of the hot dog eating contest, sells for $450M

Credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr

January 22, 2026

Nathan’s Famous, home of the hot dog eating contest, sells for $450M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nathan’s Famous, the century-old Coney Island hot dog institution that grew from a single stand into a global brand, has been sold for $450 million. On Wednesday, Smithfield Foods said it would pay $102 per share to acquire the iconic brand. Smithfield, a Chinese-owned food processor based in Virginia, has held the rights to produce and sell Nathan’s products in the U.S. and Canada since 2014, which were scheduled to expire in 2032. For fans worried about the future of the famed Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, fear not—Smithfield said it plans to continue hosting the event, according to The Hill.
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Coney Island boardwalk to get $1 billion revamp

Credit: Danny Policarpo on Unsplash

December 11, 2025

Coney Island boardwalk to get $1 billion revamp

By Aaron Ginsburg

Coney Island’s landmarked Riegelmann Boardwalk will undergo a $1 billion reconstruction. During a Brooklyn Community Board 13 meeting on Monday, NYC Parks Program Director Grace Tang announced that the department received funding to fully reconstruct the 2.7-mile boardwalk, replace utilities and structural piles, and elevate it in certain areas. Mayor Eric Adams announced plans for the reconstruction as part of his "Coney Island West" plan, which aims to bring thousands of new homes, retail spaces, and infrastructure improvements to the neighborhood.
details here

Architecture And Design

500-unit high-rise coming to Surf Avenue as first phase of Coney Island West plan

All renderings by IMC Architecture unless otherwise noted

October 29, 2025

500-unit high-rise coming to Surf Avenue as first phase of Coney Island West plan

By Devin Gannon

The city this week revealed details for the first housing project under the Coney Island West development plan. Rybak Development will build a $350 million 28-story mixed-use tower with over 500 apartments on a city-owned parking lot on Surf Avenue, between West 21st and West 22nd Streets. The development of "Parcel A" kicks off Mayor Eric Adams' vision for this section of the neighborhood, west of the amusement district, which includes 1,500 new homes, new retail, and upgrades to the boardwalk and streetscape.
details here

Huge Coney Island complex opens lottery for 150 middle-income apartments, from $2,449/month

All renderings courtesy of NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

August 21, 2025

Huge Coney Island complex opens lottery for 150 middle-income apartments, from $2,449/month

By Devin Gannon

A three-tower luxury development in Coney Island opened a lottery last week for 150 middle-income apartments. Less than half a mile from the Riegelmann Boardwalk and beach, the sprawling development at 532 Neptune Avenue includes 499 apartments across three buildings and a whopping 95,000 square feet of amenities, including a rooftop, swimming pool, and a running track that encircles the property. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, priced from $2,449/month for studios and going up to $3,495/month for a two-bedroom.
do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

Take your cat to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play

Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

July 25, 2025

Take your cat to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play

By Aaron Ginsburg

We may be in the dog days of summer, but next Tuesday will be for the cats. The Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team will host its first-ever "PURRRRfect Game" on Tuesday, July 29, allowing fans to bring their feline friends to Maimonides Park to watch the team take on the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. The event follows the success of "Bark in the Park," which welcomes dogs to the ballpark.
catter up!

Events & Things To Do

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns to the boardwalk on Saturday

Photos courtesy of Eliza Rinn, unless noted otherwise

June 16, 2025

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns to the boardwalk on Saturday

By Aaron Ginsburg

The colorful, sea-inspired Mermaid Parade splashes back onto the Coney Island boardwalk this weekend for its 43rd year. Hosted by the nonprofit Coney Island USA, the beloved event is the nation's largest art parade, drawing around 5,000 participants in hand-crafted, sea-themed costumes and elaborate floats. This year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
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Events & Things To Do

Coney Island’s Luna Park to open for 2025 season this weekend

Credit: Anthony G. Reyes on Flickr

March 24, 2025

Coney Island’s Luna Park to open for 2025 season this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

Luna Park, Coney Island's iconic beachfront amusement park, will open for the 2025 season this weekend. The historic park will reopen on Saturday, March 29 at 11 a.m. with a three-day celebration, including its annual opening ceremonies featuring the first ride and egg cream christening of the world-famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. In celebration of its 98th birthday, the first 98 visitors will enjoy a free ride on the Cyclone and a complimentary egg cream.
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Events & Things To Do

Coney Island West plan calls for 1,500 new homes, boardwalk upgrades

Renderings courtesy of ONE Architecture & Urbanism

February 20, 2025

Coney Island West plan calls for 1,500 new homes, boardwalk upgrades

By Devin Gannon

The city is moving ahead with a plan to bring thousands of mixed-income homes, new retail, and boardwalk and street improvements to Coney Island. Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Economic Development Corporation on Thursday released their vision for "Coney Island West," a waterfront development area west of the Amusement District. On Thursday the city issued a request for proposals for the first city-owned parcel, kicking off the development of 1,500 new homes.
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1515 Surf is complete: 100% electric Coney Island rental is steps from the beach

All photos courtesy of LCOR

September 30, 2024

1515 Surf is complete: 100% electric Coney Island rental is steps from the beach

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's first multi-family geothermal project has officially opened in Coney Island. Developer LCOR on Monday celebrated the grand opening of 1515 Surf Avenue, a 100 percent electric two-tower residential development featuring 463 apartments steps from the famed Brooklyn beach and boardwalk. Designed by STUDIO V Architecture, the innovative project offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, 13 luxurious penthouses, and an expansive suite of indoor and outdoor amenities with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk.
see it here

Architecture And Design

Coney Island Cyclone reopens after two-week shutdown

Photo courtesy of Philipp Potocnik on Unsplash

September 9, 2024

Coney Island Cyclone reopens after two-week shutdown

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Coney Island Cyclone is back in business after a mid-ride breakdown two weeks ago. The famous Luna Park coaster reopened on Saturday after passing a series of tests and getting approval from Department of Building (DOB) inspectors, as reported by the Associated Press.
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Policy

Coney Island Cyclone shut down indefinitely after mid-ride breakdown

Photo courtesy of Luna Park

August 26, 2024

Coney Island Cyclone shut down indefinitely after mid-ride breakdown

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Coney Island Cyclone has been closed indefinitely after a mechanical failure caused the iconic roller coaster to halt mid-ride. While the famous Luna Park coaster ascended to its drop on Thursday, an operator stopped the ride after noticing a damaged chain sprocket in its motor room, as reported by the Associated Press. The nearly century-old attraction is currently undergoing repairs and will reopen once the work is complete and the ride passes an inspection by the city's Department of Buildings (DOB), according to Luna Park.
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Policy

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns this month

All photos courtesy of Norman Blake

June 12, 2024

Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade returns this month

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's colorful Mermaid Parade returns to the Coney Island boardwalk this month. Hosted by Coney Island USA, the spectacle is considered the nation's largest "art parade," attracting 3,000 participants wearing handmade sea-themed costumes and marching next to mythical floats. The 42nd annual Mermaid Parade takes place on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
find out more

Events & Things To Do

Reach the beach: Vintage subway trains will ride to the Rockaways and Coney Island this summer

All photos courtesy of the New York Transit Museum.

May 30, 2024

Reach the beach: Vintage subway trains will ride to the Rockaways and Coney Island this summer

By Devin Gannon

Beach and boardwalk-bound New Yorkers can ride to the shore in vintage style this summer. The New York Transit Museum announced two "nostalgia rides" in July and August that will bring beachgoers to Coney Island and the Rockaways via R-19 train cars from the 1930s. Tickets, which cost $60 for adults, go on sale Friday, May 31.
details this way

Events & Things To Do

Coney Island opening for 2024 season

Images courtesy of Luna Park

March 14, 2024

Coney Island opening for 2024 season

By Aaron Ginsburg

Coney Island’s beachfront amusement district, Luna Park, is set to reopen for the 2024 season next weekend. The historic amusement park will reopen on Saturday, March 23, kicking off a weekend of fun featuring its annual opening ceremonies, including the first ride and egg cream christening of its famous rollercoaster, the Coney Island Cyclone. Keeping in line with tradition, to celebrate the 97th birthday of the Cyclone, the first 97 visitors will ride the rollercoaster for free and get a free egg cream.
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Events & Things To Do

Leasing launches at 100% electric Coney Island rental with ocean and amusement park views

All renderings courtesy of LCOR

February 7, 2024

Leasing launches at 100% electric Coney Island rental with ocean and amusement park views

By Aaron Ginsburg

Leasing has launched at New York City's first multi-family geothermal project. Developed by LCOR and designed by STUDIO V Architecture, 1515 Surf Avenue is a 100 percent electric two-tower development steps from the beach in Coney Island. The property contains 463 apartments, 324 of which are priced at the market rate and the rest designated as affordable. The unique development offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a selection of penthouses, as well as an impressive suite of amenities with up-close views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Riegelmann Boardwalk.
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Architecture And Design

139 beachfront apartments available in Coney Island, from $1,640/month

Rendering courtesy of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development

January 16, 2024

139 beachfront apartments available in Coney Island, from $1,640/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

About a block from the Atlantic Ocean and the world-famous Riegelmann Boardwalk, a new Coney Island rental has opened a lottery for 139 mixed-income apartments. Located at 1515 Surf Avenue, the 16-story development is the city's first multi-family geothermal project, meaning it uses the Earth to heat and cool the building instead of fossil fuels. New Yorkers earning 80 and 130 percent of the area median income, or between $60,069 for a single person and $198,250 for a household of five, can apply for the apartments, ranging from $1,640/month one-bedrooms to $3,013/month two-bedrooms.
do you qualify?

Affordable Housing

NYC subway train derails in Brooklyn, the second incident within a week

Image courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA on Flickr

January 11, 2024

NYC subway train derails in Brooklyn, the second incident within a week

By Aaron Ginsburg

A New York City subway train derailed in South Brooklyn on Wednesday, marking the second derailment in the system in less than a week. A Manhattan-bound F train went off the elevated tracks between Coney Island's West 8th Street and Neptune Avenue stations just before 12: 30 p.m., according to transit officials. None of the 34 passengers or three MTA crew members on board the train sustained injuries during the event. F train service was restored with delays as of Thursday morning.
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Transit

Coney Island rental a block from the beach opens lottery for 299 units, from $410/month

Renderings courtesy of BFC Partners

November 8, 2023

Coney Island rental a block from the beach opens lottery for 299 units, from $410/month

By Aaron Ginsburg

Applications are being accepted for 299 mixed-income units at a new 100 percent affordable development one block from the beach in Coney Island. The 10-story mixed-use building at 1607 Surf Avenue is the second phase of a development project from BFC Partners that includes 1,000 new affordable homes. New Yorkers earning 30, 50, 70, and 120 percent of the area median income, or between $17,006 for a single person and $210,120 for a household of seven, can apply for the apartments, priced from $410/month studios to $2,656/month three bedrooms.
see if you qualify

Affordable Housing

Coney Island’s Luna Park will stay open this winter for the first time ever

Photo courtesy of Luna Park

November 1, 2023

Coney Island’s Luna Park will stay open this winter for the first time ever

By Aaron Ginsburg

Luna Park in Coney Island will stay open this winter for the first time in its 120-year history for an exciting holiday celebration. Starting on November 18, Luna Park will be home to Frost Fest, a winter festival that will let visitors ride some of the amusement park's iconic rides and attractions, glide across a brand-new ice skating rink, enjoy holiday shopping, eat festive food, and much more. Frost Fest runs through January 7.
learn more about frost fest

Events & Things To Do

Coney Island celebrates 200th birthday by displaying its oldest artifact

Image courtesy of the Coney Island History Project

October 26, 2023

Coney Island celebrates 200th birthday by displaying its oldest artifact

By Aaron Ginsburg

Celebrate Coney Island's 200th anniversary by honoring the neighborhood's oldest surviving artifact this weekend. The Coney Island History Project, located at 3059 West 12th Street next to the entrance to Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, is displaying the 200-year-old Coney Island Toll House sign from 1823. The artifact will be on view on Saturday, October 28, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
MORE ON CONEY ISLAND's 200-YEAR HISTORY HERE

NYC’s first multi-family geothermal project tops out in Coney Island

Images courtesy of LCOR

May 25, 2023

NYC’s first multi-family geothermal project tops out in Coney Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City's first multi-family geothermal project has topped out in Coney Island. The residential development at 1515 Surf Avenue will include 463 apartments, of which 139 will be designated as affordable. The building's geothermal system will use the Earth to heat and cool the property and power its water systems, eliminating the need for equipment that would run on fossil fuels.
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The 13 best things to do in Coney Island

Photo of the Mermaid Parade by Richie S. on Flickr

May 23, 2023

The 13 best things to do in Coney Island

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nicknamed the People's Playground, Coney Island has been the summer getaway of choice for generations of New Yorkers. Located on the southern shores of Brooklyn, the seaside destination is best known for its world-famous amusement district, which contains iconic attractions like the Brooklyn Cyclone roller coaster, Deno's Wonder Wheel, and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. The neighborhood offers visitors unforgettable experiences on exhilarating amusement park rides, classic carnival-style treats, and a chance to soak up some sun on the beach. From strolling down the boardwalk and riding the 100-year-old Cyclone to seeing sharks up close at the New York Aquarium, here are some things to do when visiting Coney Island this summer.
Plan your trip

Events & Things To Do

‘Miss Subways’ contest returns to NYC for first time since 2019

2018 Miss Subways. Photo courtesy of Phil Buehler

April 11, 2023

‘Miss Subways’ contest returns to NYC for first time since 2019

By Aaron Ginsburg

After years of hiatus due to the pandemic, the Miss Subways contest is returning to New York City. Hosted by the City Reliquary Museum, the event is an adaptation of the historic beauty contest hosted by the city from 1941 to 1976, and a rejection of traditional beauty standards associated with the original competition. Taking place in Coney Island this year, the event features underground talent who will present a performance portraying their relationship with the NYC subway system. The pageant will take place at Coney Island USA's Sideshows by the Seashore Theater on Friday, April 28.
Who will be crowned Miss Subways 2023?

Events & Things To Do

Coney Island opens for the season this weekend

Photo courtesy of Luna Park

March 30, 2023

Coney Island opens for the season this weekend

By Aaron Ginsburg

Coney Island's beachfront amusement parks are opening for the 2023 season this weekend. Starting on March 31, Luna Park, home to the famous Cyclone rollercoaster, is hosting its traditional opening weekend ceremonies, which include the egg-cream christening and first ride of the Cyclone. To celebrate the iconic rollercoaster's 96th birthday, the first 96 riders get a free ride and an egg cream. And Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will celebrate its 103rd birthday with its annual "Blessing of the Rides" and free rides on its historic Ferris wheel on Sunday, April 2.
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Events & Things To Do

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