Deadline for Feedback Draws Near at Coney Island

The great American tradition that is the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest has put Coney Island smack dab in the middle of the national media spotlight over the past couple weeks. But what all of those media reports failed to mention is that even the iconic original Nathan's location is not safe from redevelopment under the City's proposed rezoning plan.

As the battle for Coney Island wages on between the City, Thor Equities, and the countless local residents and enthusiasts who have a very personal stake in the matter, it has become very obvious that something needs to be done to secure the area's future. For its part, the City has put together a comprehensive master plan which goes a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Yet many people, while acknowledging the overall merit of the plan, have raised concerns that it contains several fatal flaws which could spell doom for Coney Island in the long run.

Among the concerned is Dick Zigun, unofficial "Mayor" of Coney Island and founder of the not-for-profit arts organization Coney Island USA. In fact, he has gone so far as to produce the embedded PSA, in which he urges residents to contact their City Councilmembers and request three key changes to the plan: (1) moving a series of proposed high-rises north of Surf Avenue, (2) expanding the amusement district, and (3) eliminating financial incentives for destroying Coney Island's historic buildings.

Zigun, in conjunction with the grassroots organization Save Coney Island, is trying desperately to spread his message as the deadline for feedback draws near. This Monday, July 13, 2009, is the last day to request changes to the City's plan. Zigun's PSA delivers a humorous yet genuinely sincere and well thought-out message that is worth a listen even if you disagree with him. But if you live in Brooklyn and you do agree with him, by all means make those phone calls because you may not get another chance!

To keep your finger on the pulse of this continuing saga and all things Coney Island, be sure to check out Amusing the Zillion, a great blog written by New York-based writer and "former carny kid" Tricia Vita.