NEW YORK—A vote on final modifications to the Coney Island Rezoning plan is set to go through the City Council Zoning and Land Use Committees Monday. The vote was postponed on Monday because the City Council was not prepared.
Tony Avella, mayoral candidate and Zoning and Franchises Chair said it was “A disgrace that the council had waited so long to work out the details.”
The Coney Island Rezoning plan was created by the Department of City Planning (DCP), the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
The plan proposes to create a year-round entertainment and amusement industry at Coney Island. It also plans to build new and affordable housing and create jobs for local residents, according to the New York City Department of City Planning
City Council Representative of Coney Island, Dominic M. Recchia Jr. said on Monday, “The rezoning is moving in the right direction.” He said he hopes that all issues will be resolved by Tuesday’s vote. But he added that there are some sticking points including negotiations with Thor Equities, a private developer that owns key real estate on Coney Island. Recchia said compromises will need to be made by all sides.
Last Friday, coalition of Presidents Pat Boone of New York Acorn; Mike Fishman of 32BJ Service Employees International Union; Stuart Appelbaum of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union; Peter Ward of New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council; Bruce W. Both of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500; and Executive Director Carrie Brunk of New York Jobs with Justice, sent a letter to the city council asking that the council consider amendments to the rezoning plan.
The coalition requested amendments to ensure that development of Coney Island creates jobs with living wages and benefits, and that half of all housing units be affordable to residents of Coney Island. The letter also requested better public transportation and a new school and a supermarket to serve Coney Island’s year-round residents.
The Coalition supports the development and expansion of Coney Island’s amusement park.
Save Coney Island, an organization dedicated to the revitalization of Coney Island’s district, says that the city’s plan needs to be fixed. Save Coney Island says that the four high-rise hotels proposed by the DCP should be built where they will not block visitors’ view of the beach and amusement park.
Save Coney Island also says that City’s planned outdoor amusement area is not large enough for the number of visitors expected. It also says that the current proposal would mean demolition of unique historic properties, which are crucial to future success of Coney Island. Save Coney Island wants “safeguards against the displacement of small businesses and local entrepreneurs by chain operations” according to Save Coney Island’s Web site.
Dick Zigun, of Save Coney Island says he hopes the people will be listened to because the repercussions of rezoning go beyond the neighborhood; Coney Island is an American icon.
Tony Avella, mayoral candidate and Zoning and Franchises Chair said it was “A disgrace that the council had waited so long to work out the details.”
The Coney Island Rezoning plan was created by the Department of City Planning (DCP), the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
The plan proposes to create a year-round entertainment and amusement industry at Coney Island. It also plans to build new and affordable housing and create jobs for local residents, according to the New York City Department of City Planning
City Council Representative of Coney Island, Dominic M. Recchia Jr. said on Monday, “The rezoning is moving in the right direction.” He said he hopes that all issues will be resolved by Tuesday’s vote. But he added that there are some sticking points including negotiations with Thor Equities, a private developer that owns key real estate on Coney Island. Recchia said compromises will need to be made by all sides.
Last Friday, coalition of Presidents Pat Boone of New York Acorn; Mike Fishman of 32BJ Service Employees International Union; Stuart Appelbaum of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union; Peter Ward of New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council; Bruce W. Both of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500; and Executive Director Carrie Brunk of New York Jobs with Justice, sent a letter to the city council asking that the council consider amendments to the rezoning plan.
The coalition requested amendments to ensure that development of Coney Island creates jobs with living wages and benefits, and that half of all housing units be affordable to residents of Coney Island. The letter also requested better public transportation and a new school and a supermarket to serve Coney Island’s year-round residents.
The Coalition supports the development and expansion of Coney Island’s amusement park.
Save Coney Island, an organization dedicated to the revitalization of Coney Island’s district, says that the city’s plan needs to be fixed. Save Coney Island says that the four high-rise hotels proposed by the DCP should be built where they will not block visitors’ view of the beach and amusement park.
Save Coney Island also says that City’s planned outdoor amusement area is not large enough for the number of visitors expected. It also says that the current proposal would mean demolition of unique historic properties, which are crucial to future success of Coney Island. Save Coney Island wants “safeguards against the displacement of small businesses and local entrepreneurs by chain operations” according to Save Coney Island’s Web site.
Dick Zigun, of Save Coney Island says he hopes the people will be listened to because the repercussions of rezoning go beyond the neighborhood; Coney Island is an American icon.