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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 352-09
July 29, 2009

STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON THE ADOPTION OF THE CONEY ISLAND REVITALIZATION PLAN

“By approving our Administration’s plan to revitalize Coney Island, the Council has helped us breathe new life into a City treasure that’s been in decline for decades. Right now, only three acres of active amusements remain at Coney Island. Dozens of small business owners have seen their businesses shuttered and a feeling of uncertainty has pervaded the Coney Island community. Thanks to the Council’s vote, we’ve brought the era of uncertainty to an end.

“Now we move forward with a plan that will return Coney Island to its former glory, ensure its future as a year-round destination for visitors and create a more livable, vibrant community for its residents. For one, Coney Island will grow to include a 27-acre amusement and entertainment district, paving the way for a revitalized seaside destination that will attract New Yorkers and millions of visitors each year. Outside the amusement district, it will create 4,500 new units of housing – 35 percent of which will be affordable to low- and moderate-income families. In all, the plan will create 6,000 new, permanent jobs and 25,000 construction jobs, and generate an economic impact of $14 billion over 30 years.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do in the days ahead. We have every reason to feel optimistic because we’re working aggressively to iron out the terms of deals with landowners. And we will also continue working with our partners in Albany to gain approval for the parkland legislation we need for the development to move forward.

“Today, we’ve taken a big step forward for Coney Island, and for the future of our entire city. I’d like to thank Speaker Quinn and Council Member Domenic Recchia – whose leadership really helped improve the project – and so many others who played important roles, including Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Diane Savino, Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny, Council Member Melinda Katz, Deputy Mayor Bob Lieber and his staff, Amanda Burden and her team at City Planning, Seth Pinsky and his team at the City’s Economic Development Corporation, and Rafael Cestero and the staff at Housing Preservation and Development.”







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser / Andrew Brent   (212) 788-2958




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