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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 268-03
September 25, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF CONEY ISLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Thirteen-Member Board to Oversee Future Economic Development Activities in Historic Brooklyn Neighborhood

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz today met on Coney Island’s historic boardwalk to announce the incorporation of the Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC).  The local development corporation, which includes City officials, Brooklyn business and community leaders, and real estate executives, is charged with spearheading and implementing a comprehensive planning process for Coney Island and creating a coordinated economic development strategy for the area.  The thirteen-member Board is made up of seven members selected by the Mayor, five by the City Council and one by the Borough President.  New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Chief Operating Officer Joshua J. Sirefman will chair the Board, and each of the members serves for a term of two years.

“Coney Island holds a special place in New York City’s international identity and storied history, and the Coney Island Development Corporation will build on those assets and ensure that Coney Island plays an important role in the future of the City’s economy,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The CIDC will create a comprehensive plan for the area that will capitalize on the revitalization that began with the construction of KeySpan Park as well as improve public access to our valuable waterfront resources, and develop a plan to attract diverse new businesses that will transform Coney Island into a year-round visitor destination. This is a major economic development initiative for South Brooklyn, and another step forward in our efforts to promote quality development in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs.”

According to the Coney Island Chamber of Commerce, an estimated 5.1 million people visit the area via public transportation each season.  The purpose of the new Coney Island Development Corporation is to capitalize on the recent successes in Coney Island to help the area transform itself from a seasonal economy to a more robust, year-round business district.  Recent City investments in Coney Island include the $39 million construction of the 6,500-seat KeySpan Park, which has experienced three consecutive sold-out seasons since it opened for the 2001 season (an estimated 400,000 attended Brooklyn Cyclones games and 19,000 attended special events last season), and the $18 million restoration of the Rieglemann Boardwalk and construction of new comfort and lifeguard stations.  In addition, the Metropolitan Transit Authority is conducting a $240 million dollar renovation of the Stillwell Avenue subway station.

The Coney Island Development Corporation’s mandate is to enhance the local economy and improve the neighborhood’s overall quality of life.  To accomplish these goals, the development corporation will create a strategic plan for neighborhood development that seeks to find ways to improve area business conditions, encourage development of affordable and market-rate housing, improve public open spaces and recreational resources, while supporting the existing amusement and sports-based businesses.

“Boardwalk businesses have always been the linchpin for Coney Island, and the Coney Island Development Corporation makes official the City’s commitment to them as well as to the economic diversification of the area,” said City Council Speaker Miller. “Through the development corporation, we hope to showcase to the rest of the world what the residents of the area already know, that Coney Island offers all types of business an economically viable location from which to operate year round, that it is a great place to raise a family, and an incredible place to visit.”

“This is a great day for Coney Island,” said Councilman Recchia. “When I first took office nearly two years ago, I made a commitment to my constituents that I would work with the Mayor and my colleagues at the City Council to bring economic development to Coney Island.  This development corporation means so much to the families and businesses that call Coney Island home. Coney Island is one of New York City’s most treasured landmarks and I am looking forward to developing the area even more in the future.”

“Coney Island is a full of a wealth of treasures waiting to be rediscovered, and the establishment of the Coney Island Development Corporation is an important step in that direction,” said Borough President Markowitz.  “While we can never bring back the Coney Island of my childhood, we can make it even better than it was before.  From the Cyclone, the world’s most famous roller coaster to the Brooklyn Cyclones, one of America’s most successful minor league franchises, Coney Island is still a fantastic draw, but we have so much more to offer.  From our beaches and the boardwalk to our restaurants and nightlife, the best days for Coney Island are right in front of us.”

The Board’s activities will initially be financed with funds from EDC and the City Council.  The first order of business for the new development corporation will be to begin drafting a Request for Proposals for an outside consultant or team of consultants to help create the development plan. EDC, under CIDC Board’s oversight, will draft and issue the RFP in cooperation with City Planning staff, City Council Land Use staff, and Land Use and Planning staff from the Borough President’s office.  It is expected to be issued later this fall and a draft plan is will be completed within a year.  The thirteen members of the newly formed CIDC include:

  • Joshua J. Sirefman, CIDC Chair & COO, NYC Economic Development Corporation
  • Pamela Adamo, Vice President, KeySpan Energy
  • Kenneth Adams, President, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
  • Sol Adler, Executive Director, 92nd Street Y and resident of Seagate, Coney Island
  • Jon Benguiat, Director of Planning & Development, Brooklyn Borough President’s Office
  • Marty Levine, Member, Community Board 13 and Coney Island Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director of Friends of the Boardwalk
  • Astrudge Maclean, Owner, Sign O’Rama, and Chair of the Coney Island Board of Trade
  • Judi Orlando, Executive Director, Astella Development Corporation
  • Cynthia Reich, Deputy Director, New York Aquarium
  • Chuck Reichenthal, District Manager, Community Board 13
  • Sheryl Robertson, Director, South Brooklyn Community Development Corporation and Member of Community Board 13
  • Julius Spiegel, Brooklyn Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
  • Terry Stanley, Principal, Washington Square Partners






MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk   (212) 788-2958

Michael Sherman / Janel Patterson   (EDC)
(212) 312-3523




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