Photo by Jim McDonnell courtesy of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
In 1920, in the aftermath of a global pandemic, Coney Island’s iconic Wonder Wheel opened. Now, over 100 years later, the Brooklyn amusement park is welcoming another new ride following a difficult year for New Yorkers. The Phoenix roller coaster will officially open at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park on July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend.
Mermaid Parade 2018; Photo Credit: © Norman Blake
Following a virtual celebration in 2020 due to the pandemic, Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade is back for an in-person event this year. Coney Island USA announced this week that the 39th annual parade will take place on September 12, ending, instead of kicking off, New York City’s summer season.
Rendering courtesy of Handel Architects
As part of the Coney Island Phase I development, an affordable housing lottery launched today for 400 units, available to those earning 30, 40, 50, 60, 100, and 130 percent of the area median income. Located at 2926 West 19th Street, the new development is across the street from the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park and just steps away from the Coney Island Stillwell Avenue Q train station and the historic Coney Island boardwalk and beach. Available apartments range from $367/month studios to $2,250/month three-bedrooms.
Photo by Marcell Viragh on Unsplash
After never being able to reopen last year, Coney Island’s Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park will open for the 2021 season on Friday, April 9, the date on which the state said outdoor amusement parks and rides can reopen at 33 percent capacity. For now, the Wonder Wheel will only be open on weekends from 11am to 6pm with advance reservations (there will also be a limited number of standby tickets).
Renderings courtesy of LCOR
Real estate developer LCOR last week filed plans with the city to bring a 461-unit residential project to Coney Island. Located about a block from the beach and boardwalk at 1515 Surf Avenue, the proposed 16-story development will rise on the parking lot of Gargiulo’s Restaurant, a 100-year-old neighborhood staple. Gargiulo’s owner Louis Russo agreed to a 99-year ground lease for the lot late last year.
Photo of Coney Island by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr
The city is now accepting applications for 34 middle-income apartments in a new 20-story rental in Coney Island located just one block away from the beach. The Sea Breeze Tower, located at 271 Breeze Avenue, contains 115 units and sits across the street from the Asser Levy Park, with the beach and landmarked Riegelmann Boardwalk just a five-minute walk away. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, which range from $1,700/month studios to $2,950/month three-bedrooms.
Photo by Shinya Suzuki on Flickr
Coney Island’s beloved Mermaid Parade returns this weekend with a twist. The annual event will be live-streamed online Saturday, August 29 as a “Tail-a-Thon,” a parody of a telethon that will raise real money for charity. Marchers, dancers, and musical groups will be performing live from remote locations and available to view online, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Photo by sebastien cordat on Unsplash
On Monday, bowling alleys were allowed to reopen, and as of this Monday, gyms and fitness studios, as well as museums and indoor cultural institutions can also reopen at a reduced capacity. So why are Coney Island’s amusements still closed? As reported by NY1, Coney Island’s amusement operators have joined the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) to advocate for a reopening before the end of the summer.
Feltman’s via Boston Public Library
The name Nathan’s has become synonymous with Coney Island, whether it be for the annual hot dog-eating contest or the childhood nostalgia of the boardwalk. It’s also become arguably the biggest name in the hot dog world in general. But, believe it or not, Nathan’s was not the first place to serve up franks in the seaside neighborhood. That distinction goes to Feltman’s, which was begun in 1867 as a pushcart by German immigrant Charles Feltman, considered the inventor of the hot dog on a bun.
Photo by Chun-Hung Eric Cheng on Flickr
While most of New York City’s annual summer activities and celebrations have been canceled or postponed this year because of the coronavirus, one event will still take place. Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will forge ahead in Coney Island on July 4, but with no fans, fewer eaters, and social distancing measures in place.
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