Our Bureau
New York, NY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced the next phase of an ambitious, bold new vision for Coney Island, Brooklyn that will deliver 1,500 new homes and invest in the reconstruction of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk. In addition, the city will invest in new streets, sewers, and public realm improvements, including a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center. First announced in Mayor Adams’ fourth State of the City address last month, today’s news builds on the Adams administration’s commitment to advance bold, forward-looking housing projects, like Coney Island West, to make New York City the best, most affordable place to raise a family.
“Coney Island is America’s playground — home to iconic venues and parks, countless small businesses, and a hard-working community. Our administration is advancing a vision to turn this waterfront district into a great place to live, work, and play, contributing to making New York City the best place to raise a family,” said Mayor Adams. “We are delivering mixed-income affordable housing, investing $42 million to renovate Abe Stark Sports Center, and making significant improvements across streets, sewers, and the public realm. Coney Island’s best days still lie ahead, and today, we are starting the next chapter of its bright future.”
“From day one, the Adams administration has been steadfast in its commitment to addressing the housing crisis across all five boroughs,” said First Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer. “Our new vision to transform historic Coney Island builds on more than 15 years of reinvestment by the city and will bring hundreds of affordable homes, along with improvements to community assets and infrastructure. This initiative strengthens our promise to ensure that New Yorkers can raise their families in the world’s greatest city.”
“Coney Island is a historic, one-of-a-kind amusement district that offers fun for all ages, and we are thrilled to transform the area into a place where New Yorkers can live, learn, work, and play year-round,” said New York City Economic Development (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “The projects underway in Coney Island West will bring hundreds of new, affordable homes to the community, and it helps deliver on the mayor’s commitment to consider all publicly owned lots for new housing development.”
“As both an iconic summer destination and a vibrant residential neighborhood, Coney Island is an example of how beautiful, well maintained public spaces make our communities more dynamic, livable, and welcoming for all,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “These improvements to the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk and the Abe Stark Sports Center will help ensure that New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy all that Coney Island has to offer for generations to come, reaping all the mental and physical health benefits of time outdoors. By giving New Yorkers the affordable, accessible, and engaging public spaces and recreation options they deserve, we continue to make New York City the best place to raise a family.”
The NYCEDC also released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for “Parcel A,” an 80,000-square foot city-owned site located on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Streets, west of the iconic Coney Island Amusement District. The future development of Parcel A will bring more than 500 mixed-income homes — 25 percent of which will be affordable — and ground-floor retail to the site. The city is seeking developers who share a vision for inclusive, sustainable growth that honors Coney Island’s rich history and contributes to the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization.
To further support the neighborhood’s growth, the city will renovate Abe Stark Sports Center and the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk by enhancing the public realm and building new streets and utilities. The Abe Stark Center renovation will include a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, improved ice-skating facilities, and other amenities. A Request for Quote (RFQ) has been released for a design-build team to lead the renovation. The boardwalk’s reconstruction will take place in phases and incorporate coastal resilience features, including elevation.
Additionally, the city will advance the development of approximately 1,500 new homes on city-owned sites near the ballpark, boardwalk, and Abe Stark Center, beginning with Parcel A. Development of this area, known as “Coney Island West,” began with the construction of two affordable housing projects — Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall — which opened in 2019 and 2022, respectively. An additional affordable housing project — Luna Green — is currently under construction on the same block and another residential building is in the planning phase. New streets — including Ocean Way and Parachute Way — will accompany development, and ground-floor retail will provide new neighborhood amenities. The result will be a vibrant beachfront district where Coney residents and visitors live, work, and play.
