Park It Here: Thor Finds New Use for Coney Land

It's anyone's guess what the final Coney Island resolution will be, but for now, we can say that developer Joe Sitt and Thor Equities have found a new use for some of their land: a parking lot. The big plot of land along Stillwell Avenue that experienced premature demolition last year was being used (at least, temporarily) yesterday as a parking lot. Thor intends to have carnival rides on the land starting on May 22 for about a week-and-a-half. There are also "space for rent" signs all over its properties (example below), which would indicate the developer is trying to derive revenue from land from which tenants were removed in the winter of 2006.

Thor a Sponsor of Polar Bears Coney New Years Swim

The fact that Thor Equities is a sponsor of the Polar Bears Club New Year's swim has sparked a debate between members of the Coney Island crew. We noticed this because of a thread on the Coney Island Message Board called "Coney Island Polar Bear Club are Sellouts!!!!" The first entry says:

Never thought that I'd see the day when this club would be involved in an event with Thor. Makes your speeches at the save Coney rally deemed meaningless. Shame on the Polar Bear Club.

The reference to the "rally" is to club president Louie Scarcella's vocal opposition to Thor's Coney plans at a Save Coney Island Rally earlier this year. Here's Mr. Scarcella's response, which is interesting in terms of both Thor and other businesses in Coney Island:

...Now hear this and hear this good. For the last four years NO ONE, NO ONE in Coney Island except for Steve at Steve's Grill house has supported us. People, I know everybody in Coney Island, I have been here and worked here 35 years AND NO ONE offered one red cent. A very well know bar on the boardwalk, which I will not mention, told us to drop dead when we asked them to place jars for donations for the Special Olympics on the bar two years ago. Yes, they refused to help this great cause. This makes me sick. This establishment has made thousands of dollars every New Years Day for many years. If it wasen't for our club, they would remain closed...if Thor is willing to help me and my club raise money for kids with cancer, I say God bless him. As for calling us sellouts, don't anyone dare to call this great club sellouts. If anyone wants to talk about this in person I am at Stilwell ave and the boards every Saturday and Sunday at noon...Remember what I have learned...no one in Coney Island except for Carol Albert and Dino at the Wounderwheel gives back to the community. All they are interestd in is THE LAST DOLLAR to be made on any given day. I promise you this is true.

Those of you who know me know that I love Coney Island more than any other place on earth. I will do everything to fight condos and hotels that may become condos. This Thor knows. I want the Coney Island of yesteryear to return. I hope in the coming years I live to see the changes. The changes that will make us, the poeple who love Coney Island happy. Sellouts, no not by a long shot.

The comments about other businesses are as interesting as those about Thor. The full thread and text of the email is here. Details on the New Year's swim, proceeds from which support Camp Sunshine, are available here. The bears are trying to raise $50,000 for the camp for children.

Revere Sugar A Year Later: Thor's Work is Almost Done

Demolition permits to level Red Hook's iconic Revere Dome were issued on December 6, 2006. A couple of days later, crews working for developer Joe Sitt and Thor Equities were on site starting prep work for the big tear down. The job continued through the winter, spring, summer and into the fall. (For those with demolition porn nostalgia, you can watch the Revere Dome diminish over the months by clicking here.) Now, a year later, almost nothing remains on the Revere site and work is still going on. A huge vacant plot of land sticking out into the water next to the blue-and-yellow Ikea, the Revere site is now ready for development or for sale as a cleared property. Critical, necessary zoning changes not included.

Sitt Fences Falling in Coney Island

Looks like a certain major Coney Island landowner is having an upkeep problem on his properties. This photo shows some problems with developer Joe Sitt's fences in Coney Island that appear to have developed in that long, harsh Coney Island off-season. It comes from the very active poster known as Captain Nemo (aka Bruce) on the Coney Island Message Board. From the number of panels on the ground, it puts any problem that Whole Foods has had in Gowanus or other persistent offenders in Williamsburg have to shame. Well, to Thor's credit the land isn't toxic and there aren't mounds of rubble and possible collapsing structures on the property.

A View of Red Hook's Changing Beard Street as Ikea Rises

We were prompted to scan the hard drives yesterday and, among other things, pulled up some long shots down Beard Street in Red Hook taken over the last 18 months. Here is a small series.

For the Record: A Detailed, Scary Coney Rendering

In case you missed this over at Kinetic Carnival or Curbed yesterday, we find this rendering of a possible future for Coney Island utterly riveting in a bad car crash sort of way. We understand that it from a scheme that is no longer the working one, yet the scale of the new development and some of the design ideas are worth viewing at this level of detail. Note the height of the buildings at street level, the "canyon effect," and the scale of the towers. (Also,the blue water.) Time and again we have posted about the height of the buildings that are in the Thor Coney Island proposal and this rendering shows in a very graphic way what some of the opponents of the plan are concerned about.

From Red Hook: Revere Falling

Only the smokestack is now left. Erin "Sniffy" Norris took these amazing photos of one of the last big pieces of the old Revere Plant in Red Hook being pulled to the ground. It remains unclear what developer Joe Sitt and Thor Equities, which cleared the property, intend to with it, although they will likely try get approval for high-rise condos and a fairly large retail complex.

Weekend Team Thor Update

There is an important update in the still developing story of the roster of the Thor Equities Coney Island team. You might recall that, on Wednesday, Lee Silberstein of the Marino Organization, which has handled public relations for the embattled Coney Island redevelopment plan, let people know that he was no longer on the Thor job. The next day, we found out that the firm working as Thor's land use attorney, Kramer Levin, was also off the Coney job. Yesterday, Crains filled in some important detail on the identity of the new players:

In a sign that Thor Equities is gearing up for a fight over the Bloomberg administration's proposal for rezoning of Coney Island, the company has hired James Capalino of Capalino & Co. and Knickerbocker SKD to handle its lobbying, public relations and outreach moving forward. Landowner Thor has submitted several designs for remaking the amusement park, but the Department of City Planning has rejected them and is expected to present its own vision this fall. A Bloomberg administration spokesman says, "We remain committed to our objectives for Coney Island and are looking forward to working with stakeholders to achieve them."

Mr. Capalino is a former commissioner in the Koch Administration. One of our very informed Coney sources confirmed that both the Marino Organization and Kramer Levin were dismissed by developer Joe Sitt. "Joe apparently isn't listening to anyone who isn't telling him what he wants to hear," he observes.

More Departures from Thor's Coney Island Team

Yesterday, we noted in a post on Curbed that Thor Equities and developer Joe Sitt had parted company with spokesperson Lee Silberstein and the Marino Organization. It was unclear who had initiated the split. This morning we can report, based on a tip from another reliable source, that Thor has also parted ways with Kramer Levin, the firm acting as its land use attorney. In fact, our source reports that the lawyers "abandoned ship," which would seem to indicate that they jumped rather than were pushed. However, the cause of the abandonment is unclear.

Even if you are not into personnel moves, the changes are interesting. With the Coney Island process and negotiations seemingly at a critical juncture, the departure of key team members certainly would seem to raise the possibility that things may not be going as well as the developer had hoped. Or that they may, in fact, be going quite badly and that creatures are abandoning the USS Sitt. This is pure conjecture on our part, but it would seem odd that team members would be quitting or being fired if things were going well and the developer was on the verge of announcing that things will be moving forward as planned.

Thor Hits YouTube (Part II) with Mermaid Parade Vid

Enjoy. Go over directly if the embed is bothering you by clicking here.

Thor Hits YouTube (Part I) with Monday Movie Madness Promo

Found on the YouTube and also noted by Kinetic Carnival. Visit it directly by clicking here if there is a problem with the embed.

Coney Island Circus #1: Tent Displaces Demolition Equipment

We were going to make this a "Photo Du Jour," but it's way too on-topic not to merit a few extra words. This is the scene on the lot next to the Thor Equities site where the Cole Bothers Circus is set up through tomorrow. This is some of the demolition equipment that has been tooling around on the property since winter. We will simply note that it has not been withdrawn, only relocated to a holding pen of sorts to make room for the circus. There is concern in Coney circles that the Henderson's Building and Shore Hotel structure will be the next properties to be reduced to vacant lots surrounded by blue fencing after the current season. (Not to mention the premature closing and demolition of Astroland, which still appears to be on track.

Coney Island Death Watch: Plywood Comes to Shore Hotel

We haven't done a Coney Island Death Watch item in a long time because the active demolition and evictions by Thor Equities took a hiatus for a bit. We take no pleasure in bringing it back. However, now that plywood has gone up on the Henderson's Building, we got word that plywood is also going into the windows of the old Shore Hotel on Surf Avenue and Henderson Walk. The very knowledgeable Coney source that brought it to our attention notes that "My guess is that it's the first step on the road to demolition." The photo above was shot on Tuesday night, so we're guessing the application is either very recent or out of range of the lens. Nonetheless, the point is that it indicates that Thor Equities is moving ahead with plans for massive demolition in Coney Island long in advance of any new construction. Even in a best case scenario, construction would be at least 18-24 months down the road, so we must ask again: What is the sense of deliberately creating more blight in Coney Island long in advance of redevelopment? We have our own theories and none of them speak to good will or to the good motivations of the developer.

Coney Island Watchers Angry About Latest Thor Issue

Yesterday's story about how Thor reached an advanced point of negotiation with Coney Island USA about selling a building to them and, then, backed off as the contract was about to be signed has provoked quite a reaction from the Coney Island crew via the Coney Island Message Board. The negative reaction to this latest tale of what appears to be using Coney Island buildings and institutions as pawns in a larger real estate development game comes from both opponents and supporters. Here's a sample of the commentary:

I've been very vocally wary of CIUSA being quiet about Thor and what they are doing to Coney Island. And now the curtain is finally pulled back a bit. I can't tell you how bad I feel for everyone involved in this fiasco, but it's been clear for months that Thor has been playing one person against another in the neighborhood. And the end result? This mess. [Jack]

If any of this is actually true..its beginning to disgust me.. [Joe Sitt Friend]

The first thing to do is contact as many people in city government as you can to tell them your feelings on the matter. Be sure to include where you live, its better if you live in Coney Island, that your a voter and pay taxes. [Captain Nemo]

BONUS: Coney Island Development Corp. President Lynn Kelly will be talking about the Coney Island Strategic Plan at the Coney Island Museum at 1208 Surf Avenue on Sunday (7/29) at 4PM. While she isn't going to deliver any "news," it should be an interesting opportunity to listen to the person heading the CIDC. The donation is $5.

BONUS II: In some happy Coney Island news, the Economic Development Corp. will be commissioning a study, using more than $3 million in federal transportation money, to determine the feasibility of ferry service to Coney Island and a new pier at W. 8th Street near the Aquarium. The idea has broad support, but there's some sentiment to use the pier for amusements rather than just for ferry service.

Related Post:
New Controversy Over Thor's Handling of Historic Coney Island Buildings

Demolition Porn #2: Red Hook Edition

Taking down the old Revere Sugar plant in Red Hook has been quite the task. Demolition started in December on the dome that had defined the local waterfront for a long time, then moved to the the assorted factory buildings. The big steel frame building is now coming down. In fact, as you can see in the photos, demolition has cleaved it in two. Another few months, and it will be empty land. It looks like one solitary old brick structure could remain on the site, but it could just be the last one that will go. If you've already forgotten the Revere Dome, or just want to watch it vanish, check out our time lapse vid from this spring.

Circus Coming to Coney Says They Still Use Elephants

We received an email from Renee Storey, the Vice President for Administration of Cole Bros. Circus, which Thor Equities is brining to Coney Island for a week at the end of July. You might recall that back in May we ran a post dealing with old allegations of animal abuse against the circus. Several of the allegations centered around Cole Brothers' treatment of elephants and some stories said they no longer used elephants.

Storey writes that it's "almost laughable" that activist say the circus gave up using elephants yet continue to protest its treatment of elephants. Storey adds that the circus still uses elephants, was never convicted of any charges and that a clown alleged to have sexually abused a child had nothing to do with Cole Brothers. Storey also suggests that PETA has a history of "slaughtering pets" and that it financially supports "domestic terrorists."

All of which, we might suggest, goes to making Coney Island a much more interesting place than it's been in the past. We don't recall talk of elephant abuse, pet slaughter and terrorism in connection with the bumper boats, Go-Kart tracks and batting cages where the circus will operate.

Here's are some lengthy excerpts from the Storey statement to GL (which also went to the Coney Island Message Board):

It’s almost laughable to read that activists proclaim that Cole Bros. Circus gave up using elephants in 2004, yet continue to protest our continued use of elephants.

Cole Bros. Circus will appear in Coney Island July 30 through August 5th with an outstanding cast of human and animal performers, including elephants. Cole Bros. Circus has never ceased using elephants, either in its own show or at other venues. Animal activists who claim otherwise prove either their disdain for truth in an ongoing effort to mislead the public, or that they are confused by the information provided by organizations that can’t seem to get story straight.

Cole Bros. Circus is committed to responsible use and care of animals and providing wholesome and affordable entertainment in a comfortable and safe environment for American families. Cole Bros. Circus has never been convicted of animal abuse.

Why do certain activists delight in telling the public that the circus was charged with animal abuse but never admits that the circus has always been proved innocent? They don’t want you to know the whole story...

The clown cited on the PeTA website worked at a clothing retail store at a regional shopping mall following his termination by the circus. Along with the parents of the teen-aged victim, he belonged to a group of amateur clowns on Long Island. The alleged incident leading to his arrest and conviction took place in the teenager’s home, reportedly in view of the young man’s father, who videotaped the proceedings. It had absolutely nothing to do with the circus.

Cole Bros. Circus performs background checks on all its employees, plus has established policies and adheres to procedures that ensure the welfare of all patrons, especially children...

Check out petakillsanimals.com, where you will find details of PeTA’s abysmal history of slaughtering pets, and its frightening, financial support of domestic terrorists.

After taking a closer look at PeTA, you might decide to spare your donation and instead spend $17 to go to Cole Bros. Circus when it comes to Coney Island. There, you will see people who truly love animals putting their hearts, hands and money into animal welfare, keeping alive and healthy not only the animals, but the great tradition of the American Circus for years to come.

Those are all the relevant parts of the Storey statement. For more information about Cole Brothers you can click on their web page.

[Photo courtesy Captain Nemo/magicalthemeparks.com via Coney Island Message Board]

Related Post:
Potential Coney Island Circus Has Had Animal Abuse Issues

Will All of Wonder Wheel Park Fall to Thor?

With the purchase of some of the Wonder Wheel Park land in Coney Island, Thor Equities would be in control of almost all of the heart of the amusement district along the boardwalk. Sarah Ryley filled in some valuable detail with her piece in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle yesterday, including the raising the obvious possibility that all of Wonder Wheel Park could come under Thor's control for the right price. (Wonder Wheel Park's Dennis Vourderis has a lease on the property for the next 13 years.) Ms. Ryley writes: [Coney Historian Charles] Denson said he thinks the developer will offer to buy Vourderis’ lease and the remaining land the family owns next, creating a solid, four-block footprint that could be left vacant until the city gives in and rezones the land to allow the high rises Thor has been asking for.

The miniature golf course, go-cart track, rock climbing wall and batting cage that once lined Stillwell Avenue were all family-owned businesses bought out, then closed down, by Joseph Sitt, who is president and CEO of Thor Equities.

“If Thor offered Dennis $11 million for the lease, Dennis would take it in a second,” said Denson, who knows most of the families who have operated humble amusements in the neighborhoods over the decades. “He offers people so much money they can’t refuse.”GL strongly senses how this part of the story will end.

Bizarre Astroland Saga Continues

If we were to find a way to musically tell the Astroland story, we would find a tenor to stand on a stage and sing some opera about it. Seriously. The bizarre Astroland saga--the sale of the property to Thor Equities for $30 million, intimations by the owner that she had no choice other than to sell and the recent effort to find a way to keep the park open, all while putting the rides up for sale--continues.

The same story in the Bay News that conveys that news that Thor is purchasing part of Wonder Wheel Park passes on more detail about what became clear after the Post first reported that Thor would give Astroland a one-year stay of execution until 2008: There is no agreement to keep Astroland open.

The Bay News reports:

“Contrary to reports in the media, we have not been offered a lease extension and there has been no contact made with Joe Sitt,” Albert said.

Albert did say she spoke with City Councilmember Domenic Recchia about the extension and he said he would see what he could do, but nothing came from it.

“The last time I spoke to Sitt was a couple of weeks ago. I told him of my interest in a lease for another year and he said he wasn’t ready to do that,” said Albert.

“The city is trying very hard to find us another place, but it’s difficult for them to find a place in Coney Island. If there’s no place to move the rides, I’ll have to sell them,” she added.

Sitt spokesperson Tom Corsillo confirmed there was no deal to announce right now regarding Astroland.

“Joe is working to ensure that next year the amusement district will still continue to be a lively and active place,” Corsillo said.

GL Analysis
During his presentation in Coney Island, Mr. Sitt noted that Ms. Albert had sold the business. While the apparent struggle to subsequently keep Astroland open has been rather odd, everyone should be bending over backwards to keep it open as long as possible. If Mr. Sitt is unwilling to extend the lease without getting zoning changes first, it is indicative of disinterest in taking most basic steps to keep Coney Island alive while the redevelopment process moves forward.

Mr. Sitt insists that he has the best intentions for Coney Island and is not trying to damage this long suffering place. Yet, actions generally speak louder than words. If Mr. Sitt had any concern for Coney Island, he would be doing everything in his power to keep it healthy, alive and vital for the duration of the redevelopment process. A thorough public process with real public input--not a mockery of public participation like Atlantic Yards--is vital for Coney Island. If it takes an extra 12 or 24 months, so be it. Too much of Brooklyn's future has already been sold off to the highest bidder and too many projects that will profoundly impact the borough for generations to come have gone forward with little real public input.

If Mr. Sitt unconditionally allows Astroland to stay open as long as the land is truly not at a point at which it can be redeveloped, then he will show good faith. To do otherwise will be an act of disrespect for every Brooklynite and to every New Yorker--of all incomes and ethnicities--that spend some time at Coney Island during the summer.

Regardless of the weirdness surrounding the Astroland transaction, Mr. Sitt should act immediately to guarantee the park another year. There should be no conditions. He should just do it. He clearly has every right not to, but he would earn a lot of good will by doing so. If he is sincere about building public support for his project, acting now to keep Astroland open would be a very smart tactic.

Sitt Speaks in Coney Island and Says He Doesn't Want to Build Without "Support"

Developer Joe Sitt spent two hours in Coney Island last night making his pitch to residents and reporters and trying to drum up support for his embattled redevelopment plans. "It's in your hands," Mr. Sitt said of the future of project, noting that he is reluctant to build without the support of residents, the press and "to some degree, the blogs." More than 100 people filled the room and there were some raised voices and shouts from the crowd, not about the design of the project, but about the developer's commitment to delivering jobs to residents.

Mr. Sitt said that he had been cheered by some editorial support since the residential component of his plan was altered to include three hotels, including about 400 time share units. "I started to get beaten down," he said of coverage of controversy about the plan, but said that editorials such as one supporting his plan that is in this week's Brooklyn Paper "gave me some oomph."

The Sitt contingent arrived at the United Community Baptist Church, which is at W. 27th Street and Mermaid Avenue, in four Lincoln Town Cars. The group included Mr. Sitt's PR representatives from the Marino Organization and two large security guards who stood watch over the stage. (At the conclusion of the presentation, in fact, Mr. Sitt exited from the rear as a security guard stood ready to block anyone trying to approach the developer; he left the church after the crowd had thinned and did not speak to anyone lingering out front.)

Mr. Sitt referred to respected Coney Island historian Charles Denson of the Coney Island History Project, noting that he had been quoted as saying that Mr. Sitt "can be hero of Coney Island" if he creates a project that respects its history and avoids things like housing in the amusement zone.

"That the way I want to do Coney Island," Mr. Sitt said.

Mr. Sitt's presented an amicable persona to the crowd, going out of his way to make sure that audience members were recognized and insisting that everyone call him "Joe" rather than "Mr. Sitt." At one point, he referred to the withdrawal of Takeru Kobayashi from the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest next week, but referred to the hot dog eating champ as "Hibachi."

Mr. Sitt appeared very aware of stories that had been written about his $1.5-$2 billion redevelopment plan and returned several times to criticism it had gotten in the press, also noting that "the blogs went against us." He said he is unwilling to build in Coney Island without full community support, media support and, even support from blogs. He said:

Unless we see support from this whole community--whether it's the community that lives here in Coney Island or the community that operates rides...and you know what, to some degree even the blogs, you know what, respectfully, I don't know if I want to build Coney Island.

Mr. Sitt took note of a reporter from the New York Post who was sitting in the second row and said that he hoped that his coverage of the event would be positive and said that he would go home and "pray" for good press and community support.

The developer said that while his project had to turn a profit that it was less about money than most. "This is about making the world a better place," Mr. Sitt said. Several times he noted "We're not going to be building a fairyland garden," but rather a project that creates jobs and opportunities.

There was a long question and answer period after the remarks. At first, a Thor employee went through the crowd asking people to write questions on cards, but Mr. Sitt apparently rejected that approach, preferring that people directly ask questions. Most of the questions from the audience revolved around the critical community issue of jobs (Coney's unemployment rate is double the city's) and about the impact the development would have on existing residential neighborhoods. Mr. Sitt asked the community for "a groundswell of support" and said that "we're working hard to partner up with the Bloomberg Administration."

Whether or not the project goes forward, Mr. Sitt said, "really is in your hands and the support you give us or don't give us."

Many of the job-related questions were handled by Christopher Woods, who is developing employment plans for the community. Questions ranged from Mr. Sitt's willingness to hire residents with criminal records (yes, he said, they would do so) to education programs (they'll work on developing them).

Mr. Sitt said that he "hopes for a green light within 12-18 months of today to get going." Although Thor demolished a number of attractions over the winter, Mr. Sitt said "We are trying to keep things open" including Astroland. Last week, there were reports that Mr. Sitt would only keep Astroland open for another season if the city reached an agreement with him on zoning.

"Astroland did sell the business," he said. "Our goal is to make sure there is a similar concept there" as an interim use.

He closed by urging residents to "get the message out: Build, Joe, Build." Not everyone was impressed by meeting, however. One well-known Coney Island leader we spoke with after the session called it "an act of desperation" to try to rally support for an embattled plan that seems to have drawn criticism from all sides.

Will the Freakenspeile Tower and Bizarre Bazaar Come to Coney Island?

The Coney Island presentation made by developer Joe Sitt and by Thinkwell Creative Director Chris Durmick about Thor Equities Coney Island plans contained a number of new details. The presentation leaned heavily on the designs for Stillwell Avenue, the Bowery and a passage that has been dubbed Front Street as well as Coney Island Park. (The latter would replace Astroland.) It avoided mention and depiction of the hotels and time share buildings up to 40 stories in height and with nearly 1,000 rooms and units that would rise west of Stillwell Avenue.

(Kinetic Carnival, who was also in attendance, offers an image slideshow of the presentation and well as a rundown.)

Mr. Durmick, whose firm has been hired to design the project, chafed at comparisons that have been made to a "Las Vegas theme park." He said the firm was designing an "amusement park" and that "it must be authentic Coney Island. Every theme park in the world has a pedigree that's Coney Island." Mr. Sitt himself several times said that "We're not just building a fairytale garden." He described the product as "urban, New York and Coney Island."

In its latest iteration, the plan would divide the amusement area into several "neighborhoods." Stillwell Avenue would serve as its main retail area. It will have an "Emporium" where visitors can buy tickets, burn photo CDs and rent lockers and strollers. It will also have "a vertical dark ride." There will be a giant elephant fountain outside.

The feature sure to provoke discussion, however, is the planned Freakenspiele Tower ("Freakenspiele" is one of the few words that you can Google which will produce zero results.) The tower will have 40-foot LED screens on all four sides and a "launch tower ride" in the interior. It would be at the boardwalk end of Stillwell Avenue.

Halfway down Stillwell toward the boardwalk, the developer plans a performance plaza. A glass-enclosed water park would be six stories above street level. In this vision, Stillwell avenue would be transformed into a "walking promenade" with street performers, bistros, shopping and a multiplex theater. The tall buildings on the west side of Stillwell Avenue would have street fronts of four-six stories, but would rise up to 40 stories.

Mr. Durmick mentioned there would be another roller coaster in this vicinity, an "overhead steeplechase" that would be a high-speed launch roller coaster.

The Bowery (previously unpublished rendering above) was described as Coney Island's "subculture suburb." "This place wants to be designed by the local people," Mr. Durmick said. "This is where the circus sideshow people would live." The would include a high tech "Vertical Fun House" and something called the "Bizarre Bazaar," which was described as a "sub-culture souk." We're not sure what a sub-culture souk is, but it sounds like it might be an attempted recreation of St. Mark's Place in the old days.

The final element described by Mr. Durmick was Coney Island Park, the project that would replace Astroland. It would be an indoor-outdor park with 21 rides on multiple levels. It would include old school rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl as well as a new roller coaster called the Leviathan that is envisioned as looping through buildings and under the boardwalk. It would also include a 120 foot tall Aviator tower ride. W. Tenth Street would become a pedestrian area.

"We want to create a whole menus of neighborhoods and flavors because this is Coney Island," Mr. Durmick said.

The photo below, which is courtesy of Adrian Kinloch of the blog Brit in Brooklyn, shows Mr. Durmick on the left and developer Joe Sitt at the podium on the right.