Coney Island is set for a revitalization, thanks to a $1 million boost from the city via a newly established Business Improvement District, as announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday.
This substantial funding will become accessible by July, following the mayor’s formal agreement signed during his visit to the iconic boardwalk.
“With an initial $1 million investment, the Coney Island BID will support the small businesses that form the backbone of this community, ensuring that the people’s playground remains inviting year-round for both visitors and locals,” Mayor Mamdani declared, with the towering Wonder Wheel serving as his backdrop.
According to the city’s website, a BID is a designated area where local businesses, residents, and governmental bodies collaborate to enhance, maintain, and promote the commercial district.
Part of the new funding will enhance the neighborhood’s sanitation services, with garbage collection scheduled five days a week during the summer months and three days a week for the remainder of the year.
Additionally, the funds will be allocated for improved landscaping and upkeep, with increased attention to tree pits, lawns, and gardens.
Snow removal will be increased, too, as will graffiti removal, and lights will be put up across the neighborhood during the holidays using the BID funds, which are being provided by the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
“The formation of the Coney Island Business Improvement District is about investing in the small businesses and working families who make this neighborhood iconic all year long,” Mamdani said in a statement.
The move comes as Coney Island has seen a wave of investment with about a half-dozen new residential towers and affordable-housing buildings recently completed or under way.
“This is what we need, people that want to live and work here, not run away,” said Dennis Vourderis, owner of the historic Wonder Wheel.
Mamdani also weighed in on his amusement park preferences at the announcement.
“I was on the Phoenix like four months ago,” the mayor said of the roller coaster.
“I am a big fan of Coney Island, big fan of roller coasters. Also a big fan of the bumper cars,” he said. “The Cyclone, also incredible.
“All of these things around there are great,” he said. Although, “The Slingshot is a little too much for me right now.”
