New York City is set to transform Coney Island into a thriving residential and recreational hub, Mayor Eric Adams announced this week, outlining plans for 1,500 new homes and a major overhaul of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk. The initiative, which includes a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center, marks the latest step in a vision first introduced during Adams’ fourth State of the City address in January.
The mayor emphasized Coney Island’s unique status as a cultural and community centerpiece. He described it as “America’s playground,” noting its blend of iconic attractions, small businesses, and dedicated residents. The administration’s goal, Adams said, is to elevate the waterfront district into an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy, enhancing its appeal for families across the city. Alongside the housing push, the city will upgrade streets, sewers, and public spaces, with the sports center renovation serving as a key investment.
First Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer highlighted the broader context of the project, pointing to the administration’s focus on tackling the citywide housing shortage. She noted that the Coney Island effort builds on over 15 years of municipal reinvestment, promising hundreds of affordable homes and improved community infrastructure. This redevelopment, she added, reinforces the city’s commitment to supporting family-friendly neighborhoods.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), led by President and CEO Andrew Kimball, is driving the housing component. Kimball expressed enthusiasm for reimagining Coney Island—long known as a seasonal amusement destination—as a year-round community. He tied the initiative to Adams’ pledge to explore all public land for housing opportunities, with the Coney Island West project set to deliver hundreds of affordable units.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue underscored the value of Coney Island’s public spaces, calling them vital to the area’s charm and livability. She said upgrades to the Riegelmann Boardwalk and Abe Stark Sports Center would ensure the neighborhood remains a draw for both locals and tourists, offering health and recreational benefits for years to come. Donoghue echoed the administration’s refrain that such enhancements make New York City a top choice for raising families.
On the housing front, NYCEDC has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an 80,000-square-foot city-owned plot known as “Parcel A,” located on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Streets. The site, just west of the famed amusement district, is slated for a development featuring over 500 mixed-income homes—25% of which will be affordable—along with retail space on the ground floor. The city is courting developers committed to sustainable, inclusive growth that respects Coney Island’s heritage.
Separately, procurement will soon start for the Abe Stark Sports Center renovation, with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) released to assemble a design-build team for the $42 million project. Together, these efforts signal a new chapter for Coney Island, blending its storied past with a revitalized future.
