NEW YORK – New York City is committing more than $1 billion to a major reconstruction of the Coney Island shoreline. Plans include reconstruction of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk; 1,500 new homes, including 25 percent of units allocated for affordable housing; and new investments in streets, sewers, and public realm improvements, including a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center.
“Coney Island is home to thousands of hard-working New Yorkers who work hard every day to leave behind something better for their families. Life here shouldn’t be a rollercoaster, which is why our administration is committing $1 billion to rejuvenate America’s playground and build a better Coney Island,” said outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. “With this investment, we are going to deliver 1,500 new mixed income homes to the waterfront — 25 percent of which will be affordable — and restore the over 100-year-old Riegelmann Boardwalk to its former glory. We’re building new streets and sewers, improving the public realm, and renovating the Abe Stark Sports Center so this beloved rink and recreation hub can continue bringing joy to New Yorkers and visitors alike. To be the best city on the globe to live and raise a family, you need affordable homes and public spaces, and that’s why today’s announcement is a transformative next step in building the neighborhoods of tomorrow — today.”
“Coney Island is a New York icon that gives millions of New Yorkers and visitors a welcoming, vibrant space to enjoy the waves, fresh air, and world-famous attractions. With this major investment in the boardwalk’s resiliency, we’re preparing the boardwalk to safely welcome visitors for another 100 years,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “As climate change continues to cause more extreme weather events and rising sea levels, we’re investing in our public spaces across the city to ensure resiliency while enhancing what New Yorkers love about them. By reconstructing the entire historic boardwalk and renovating the beloved Abe Stark Sports Center, we’re also making Coney Island a safer and more welcoming place for families and New Yorkers of all ages. I’m grateful to our partners across the Adams administration and in the community for their commitment to this project, and I’m proud to be part of an administration that appreciates how critical our public greenspaces are as living infrastructure.”
Reimagining the Iconic Coney Island Boardwalk
The boardwalk restoration project will upgrade all 2.7 miles of Riegelmann Boardwalk across several phases of work, maximizing access to this public amenity while making vital improvements. NYC Parks will partner with the New York City Economic Development Corporation to implement the project and will conduct extensive public outreach during the design and construction stages. NYC Parks conducted an extensive study to reconfiguring the boardwalk to address future climate change needs while preserving the landmark’s character and maintaining direct access to the adjacent businesses and attractions. In addition to upgrading the resiliency and accessibility of the boardwalk itself, this project will include improvements to the boardwalk’s public facilities, including restrooms, lifeguard stations, and shade pavilions.
Redeveloping the Abe Stark Sports Center
The city is also reconstructing the Abe Stark Sports Center, a local hub for recreation with a beloved ice-skating rink that opened in 1970, through a separate $42 million project. The renovation will upgrade the ice-skating facilities and create a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, better linking the center with the community.
