Thor Watch

In addition to their holdings in Coney Island, Thor Equities has their fingers in a lot of properties throughout the city (and country, for that matter). The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports on a recent Thor acquisition in Bay Ridge:

The lot at 1752 Shore PKWY in Bay Ridge was recently purchased for $10 million by Thor Shore Parkway Developers, LLC., reports Property Shark. The industrial location, a bus lot, is huge, at 10,400 square feet. However, it is a prime spot near Drier Offerman Park, which is getting a $50 million makeover, and the Ceasar's Bay shopping strip, which is home to Best Bay, Kohls, Toys R Us and Modells. It's also close to Coney Island. Bonnie Heights Realty Corp. sold the property to Thor Shore Parkway Developers, LC.

Calls to Thor about their intentions with the property were unanswered as of press time.

There has been a lot of speculation on the Coney Island USA message board that Thor's ultimate goal is to build a big-box retail store on the lot (which is currently only zoned for heavy industry). This would certainly be in line with Thor's general strategy of buying up large pieces of land, then sitting on them until they are rezoned for more profitable usages.


Real Estate Round-Up: January 28, 2008 [Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Thor's shore parkway lot? [Coney Island USA Message Board]

- post by Ben Nadler

Thor Watch

Over the past month, accusations have flown about on the Coney Island USA message board that many new board members are actually shills for Joe Sitt and Thor Equities. While some of these accusations may have been overblown, one recent post by new user 'born_in_brooklyn' (who identifies herself as 'Alice') is such blatant pro-Thor propaganda that one can't help but suspect that Thor is employing some nefarious cyber tactics.

It is entirely possible, of course, that a genuine, independent thinking Brooklynite could have come to the conclusion that people are no longer interested in old style amusements, that the area would be better served by condos, and that therefore "we should give this guy Joe Sitt a chance." There are undoubtedly area residents who feel this way.

However, its quite unlikely that one such resident simply decided to sit down and write a labored, eight paragraph message board post in which they identify themselves as "an average citizen of Brooklyn New York" who has "no stake in the Coney Island debate," but has objectively decided that Thor "CEO Joe Sitt should be commended for being the only person in fifty years to want to build in Coney," and, by the way, would just like to outline every one of Thor's major arguments in detail.

What's most shocking about the post is not that Thor Equities is so desperate that they're employing such tactics, but that they're employing them so poorly. The 'average citizen of Brooklyn New York' line alone sends up red flags that the post is at least slightly disingenuous; almost every other sentence in the post is just as bad. If 'Alice' isn't deploring the "bloggers" on the message board or "the tawdry amusements of our grandparents era," she's pointing out that people today want an "entertainment mecca for the 21st century," or that "condos would be a perfect use of that space." These are such blatant pieces of corporate speak that its almost inconceivable to imagine any person sitting down and typing even one of them into a message board post. Let alone eight paragraphs of such phrases.

All along, Thor Equities has shown nothing but disrespect for the people of Coney Island. This low budget, condescending propaganda is just another example of this fact.

- post by Ben Nadler

Thor Watch

A recent Brooklyn Daily Eagle article- which was posted on the Coney Island USA message board, before it was available on the Eagle's website- includes two unsettling quotes relating to the redevelopment of Coney Island.

The first quote comes from an anonymous Coney Island Development Corporation member, who expressed concern that Thor Equities has retained the infamous real estate lawyer, Jesse Maysr. The CIDC member said that Maysr, who spoke for Thor at last week's public scoping meeting, "is known as the No. 1 obstacle to these types of things."

The second quote, from City Councilman, Kruger sidekick, and higher office hopeful Domenic Recchia, is "The land swap is dead. It's never going to happen." Recchia refused to further explain the statement, saying that, "he didn't want to negotiate in the press."

The upshot of all of this seems to be that Thor has not abandoned their plans for a condo filled Coney Island, and is going to do everything in their power to fight the city's plans.

Coney Land Swap 'Is Dead,' But Just In Case, Thor Hires Top Attorney [Brooklyn Daily Eagle (via CIUSA message board)]

- post by Ben Nadler

Related HOOPLA!

photo by pea. - Flickr.com

A slight error on the map that was posted here outlining the Thor properties was brought to our attention by a Coney-Isle-O-Phile who goes by the name of Thor-Hater, a business operator in Coney and also a frequent commentator on the Coney Island USA bulletin boards, which is in fact where KC first learned about the Thor tenants being given 'eviction' notices.

Also, to correct a misstatement in the Gothamist web site:
Kinetic Carnival did not speak with Mr. Dick Zigun. Zigun was replying to Thor-Hater on the CIUSA board.

map correction:
Thor does not own the building on the corner of W.12th & Surf Ave housing the Coney Island USA to the Surf Express car service.

Related links:
Coney developers forcing out rides, games, shops [Daily News]
New Home for Coney Island Sideshow and Museum? [Gowanus Lounge]
Rides, Games and Shops Being Forced Out of Coney Island [MetaDish]
Developer Starting to Empty Out Its Coney Properties? [Gowanus Lounge]
Some Coney Island Rides Won't See Another Summer [Gothamist]
NEW LIFE FOR CONEY I. FAVES

[NYP]
Coney Island Death Watch: Brand New Wednesday Evictions [Gowanus Lounge]
Coney Island Clean Out Starting? [Curbed]

Other links:
Coney Forced to Hold Its Water As City Makes Big Promises [Courier Life]
The Other Coney Island [runs/brooklyn]

Images:
Color the Sky with You
Haunted by Coney Island [AutoBiographical Digitizer]
Balloon~mA, cAN WE gO Ta cONeY IsLAnD?

Media:

ABC reporter went to Coney Island to interview Thor tenants

click to view

Thor Dishes Out A Rehash!

These new served up renderings by Thor Equities seems like some lesser quality rejects which were not part of the small collection that was displayed this summer. And now, simply rehashed in light of the negative press.

Or perhaps a limited job of redesigning with not much to offer. With one of the cluttered drawings released in time for our Halloween spirits, a pumpkin on a witchy mermaid’s bum towers over those miniature parachute jumps that seem to be the recurring theme, here. With the other rendering a giant whale hologram seems to be a throwback to what we saw a few weeks ago in one of the Aquarium competing drawings.

The New York Post which obtained the drawings from Thor Equities writes: "Stillwell Avenue becomes a fantasy-filled boulevard marked by larger-than-life street furniture, such as a mermaid swimming in a martini glass and a gigantic tattooed elephant."

And Gowanus Lounge, which always has an interesting angle on things, explains: "We're not sure what that tall glass looking thing is, although the elephant (shades of an earlier era and Lucy the Elephant in Margate, NJ) is a nice touch. (It's small, but do you notice the Halloween touch on the mermaid's rear end in the top rendering?) The description of Bowery Street as "a permanent festival and sideshow area" is encouraging. The five-year construction timeframe is sobering, to say the least. Interesting that they surface now after some of the bad press Thor got last week for the early evictions of current tenants."

With the hopes of building a $1.5 billion year-round entertainment destination, Thor Equities has purchased 10 acres of boardwalk land. However, the project is still awaiting city approval, but the company hopes to begin construction in about 18 months and have it completed in about five years.

Related:
NEW-WAVE CONEY Beach Bum to Surf City [NYPost]
Coney Island Death Watch Halloween Edition: New Renderings [Gowanus Lounge]
The Coney Island Vision We Couldn't Make Up [Curbed]

Thor Watch

For once, some news on Joe Sitt of Thor Equities which doesn't reflect negatively on him. According to an article on The Real Deal on the subject of campaign contributions from local real estate developers, Sitt donated $2,300 to Barak Obama. This makes him unique amongst New York developers, as The Real Deal found Hillary Clinton to be their overwhelming favorite.

Barack Obama has yet to state his official position on the future of Coney Island


Presidential politics thins real estate wallets [The Real Deal]

- post by Ben Nadler

Thor Watch

Today's New York Post contained an article about some recent maneuverings by Joe Sitt of Thor Equities. As usual for the Post, the article was goofily headlined, but the information in the article itself was quite interesting:

A controversial developer caught in a game of chicken with the Bloomberg administration over Coney Island's future wants to circumvent a city contract so he can reap hefty profits - and much-needed cash - from a Downtown Brooklyn parking garage, The Post has learned.

The move is fueling concern at City Hall that developer Joe Sitt wants to boost his cash-in-hand in preparation for a long holdout over Coney Island - at least until after Mayor Bloomberg leaves office in 2010.

Read the rest of the article here.

Sitt's plan to sit out the city is mere speculation at this point. However, considering his track record as a developer, and his company's public objections to the city's redevelopment plan, it seems quite plausible. If this is his plan, it would means that he's condemning the Coney Island amusement area to two more years of limbo, simply to increase his chances of turning a huge profit. Sitt has every right to negotiate with the city on a plan, but to just sit the situation out until the tide turns would be extremely disrespectful to the community of Coney Island, which will there for the next two years, regardless of what happens.

CONEY BIZMAN'S 'PARKING $PACE' [New York Post]

- post by Ben Nadler

Rally To Save Coney Island's History Gathers For Last Time While City Does Nothing

We've been pointing out Coney's nemesis Thor Equities for not giving Coney Island's historic district a chance to survive, but the city is equal to blame.  Last year the city saved the amusements in Coney Island by purchasing the land under the former Astroland.  But now they, are sitting still and allowing Thor Equities to bulldoze the only remaining historic buildings in Coney Island.  What seems like part of their plan with Thor Equities to allow him his chance for profit while disrespecting New York's important culture, the city is doing nothing but allow this killing spree to take place.  

The last chance to save Coney Island's historic district will take place this Saturday October 30th 2010, which will include the last walking tour of the historic area, Sunday, October 31st, before it's dead and gone thanks to greed by those who simply don't care about the city and its people but merely their own profit.

From Save Coney Island group:

Please join Save Coney Island for a rally to preserve the amusement district's endangered historic buildings.

Four of Coney Island's most historically significant buildings -- three more than a century old -- are in danger. Demolition appears imminent. Developer Thor Equities has thus far ignored the pleas of leading historic preservation groups.

We need to raise our voices and say that we want these buildings saved, restored, and made part of Coney's future.

One of the endangered buildings, the Henderson Music Hall, is where Harpo Marx made his stage debut, alongside his brothers Groucho and Gummo.

That's why we're giving our demonstration a Marx Brothers theme - "A Many Marxes March to Save Coney Island's History."

PLEASE JOIN US!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Meet at the corner of Stillwell and Surf Avenues in Coney Island

WHAT TO BRING: Yourself and your friends. Signs focused on the importance of
saving these buildings and preserving Coney Island' s history are welcome. (We are
trying to keep our message as positive as possible.)

WHAT TO WEAR: Costumes are optional but welcome. In particular, we need Groucho
Marxes and Harpo Marxes! (Groucho glasses are available for $5 at most Halloween
stores.)

AFTERWARD: Stick around to watch the brand-new Coney Island Children' s
Halloween Parade at noon.


Walking Tour on Sunday (last one!)
Don't miss your final chance this season to join us in our walking tour of historic Coney Island! The guided tour will cover all the historic buildings along Surf Avenue, as well as Coney's existing landmarks. We will discuss the famous history of the district and the importance of restoring its historic buildings in order to create a unique 21st Century Coney Island.

WHERE - In front of the Shore Theater, on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Aves
WHEN - Sunday, October 31st at 11:00 am

FREE! (but suggested donation of $10 appreciated)

All comers get a free Save Coney Island button and a copy of our brand new Save Coney Island map! (while supplies last!)

Forward this to a friend! As always, thanks for your support!
Save Coney Island

Lola Staar: Coney's Souvenir Boutique Has Been Evicted

As reported by Gowanus Lounge yesterday, The Lola Staar Boutique has been kicked out by Thor Equities. Though some of the other stores (Ruby's Bar & Grill and Cha Cha's) along the boardwalk next to Lola's will still be open until the end of this last summer of 2007, The Coney Island pink souvenir boutique will cease to operate from their boardwalk location. Dianna Carlin who operates Lola Staar has in the past supported the change and development of Coney Island and supported what Thor Equities's plans for Coney.

Gowanus Lounge writes:

Given that the Lola Staar store is one of the gems of Coney Island--a unique
establishment that sells original Coney merchandise--the fact that it will not
be there this summer raises interesting questions about Thor's vision for the
neighborhood.

Carlin still plans to find another space somewhere in Coney Island to set up shop. Lola Staar is open during the winter at the Union Square Holiday Market and from kiosks at various retail stores around the world.

C I Death Watch: Lola Staar Boutique Evicted [Gowanus Lounge]

Coney Island Early Demolition Photos by Gowanus Lounge

These set of pictures showing the first demolition to erase what has been Coney for the last few decades, were taken and posted by the great Gowanus Lounge. By now many have speculated that the clearance of these lots, owned by Thor Equities is not only in preparation for development but are being cleared to facilitate the leverage to pass the rezoning Thor claims they need in order to make the project feasible.

From Gowanus Lounge:

To see the full flickr demolition photoset click here and to see the slideshow of Coney Island demolition porn, click here.

C I Death Watch: Early Demolition Porn [Gowanus Lounge]

Future Of Coney HOOPLA !

Image by Kevin C. Downs Photography (Flicker.com)

The Coney Island of Tomorrow [Chris Combs: Life in Frame]
Coney wants one more ride [The Brooklyn Paper]
‘Piering’ into Coney’s future - Put rides out to sea, historian says [NY Daily News]
City Urged to Consider Coney Amusement Pier [Brooklyn Daily Eagle]


Other HOOPLA:
Astroland Soap Opera Continues: Nevermind the Rides for Sale [The Gowanus Lounge]
Inflatable water slides and Coney Island - watch out for hypodermic needles! [Metroblogging NYC]
A Coney Island park's final summer [The Boston Globe]
Coney plans get beached [NY Daily News]
Coney Island [gaspode's brain detritus]
Sidewalks of Brooklyn [The NY Sun]
Here's a thought... [Out and Back]
Brooklyn Baseball Game Sideshow [The Coney Island Reporter]
Coney Island Developer Snubbed By Coney Island Development Roundtable [NY Observer]
Dispactches from the Frontlines of the Food Wars [Clean Plate Club NYC]


Image:
goodbye my Coney [Lighthorse]
Coney Island Corn [Park Slope Street Photography by Lara Wechsler]
Playland [Frank Lynch - Flickr.com]


Video:
Coney Island clip [NCutietta - YouTube]

Featured Video:
"Coney" - Excerpt from Feature-Length Documentary

"Coney" is a feature-length documentary that examines the complexities of gentrification in one of New York City's most historic neighborhoods, Coney Island. One of the goals of the film is to help the developer (Thor Equities), the community, and the city work toward a solution that keeps the true spirit of Coney Island and its historic amusement center alive for a long time to come.
[ConeyIslandDoc - YouTube]

Gowanus HOOPLA!

Luna Park - Sydney, Australia
photo by Clive Baumann - Flickr.com

Everybody Loves a Coney Island Roller Coaster (We Think) [Gowanus Lounge]
Swims With Polar Bears [Gowanus Lounge]
Coney Island Death Watch: Reactions to Coney Island v 2.1 [Gowanus Lounge]
More Coney v 2.1 Information in Thor's Own Words [Gowanus Lounge]
New Coney Plans: Play Up the Coaster, Downplay the High Rises [Gowanus Lounge]

Luna Park - Sydney, Australia
photo by irmz - Flickr.com

related Hoopla!
Hopes soar for Coney coaster [NY Daily News]
Here's Coney Island v 2.1 [Curbed]
Coney Island Developer Wants Residential Zoning [Gothamist]
Plans Coming Together For Coney Island Amusement Expansion [NY 1]

Luna Park - Sydney, Australia
photo by Marv! - Flickr.com

Coney Vid: Reverend Billy at Astroland

Watch Reverend Billy and Dick Zigun as they almost perform the execution of 'Thor' who they are accusing of killing Astroland in this staged performance.

Reverend Billy at Astroland

Description:
Photographer Louise Millmann films The Reverend Billy at Astroland on the last day of operations Sept. 7th 2008

Posted by vivmaudlin [YouTube]

Related HOOPLA !

Freak to city: Good job [The Brooklyn Paper]
My Brooklyn: 2006 Winners [Brooklyn Public Library]
City plans new amphitheater with seating capacity of 5,000 [Courier Life]
Triumph of the Weenies!!! [Karrie Jacobs]

Gowanus Lounge:
Speak No Evil: Thor Coney Tenants Required to Sign Confidentiality Clause
Coney Island Death Watch: Demolition Porn Update
"© Snapple Coney Island Park, Inc."
Meet Mr. Wallace, Coney Island Sign Artist









photo by: Brit in Brooklyn

Images:
Desktop Day: Coney Island Art [Brit in Brooklyn]
Desktop Day: Clean Version [Brit in Brooklyn]
Brooklyn Back in the Day: Coney Island [Gowanus Lounge]
Sunset Over Coney Island Beach [photoGRAPHICA]
Gowanus Lounge Photo Du Jour: End [Gowanus Lounge]

Video:
GL Brooklyn Sunday TV [Gowanus Lounge]
Deep Coney [YouTube]
New York City Google Earth Fly Over [YouTube]
You've Got To Ride The Wonder Wheel [YouTube]

Coney Beyond: Underground Films On The Brooklyn Outdoors

It would be an oasis to watch a huge light screening a flick from atop the abandoned Shore Theater in Coney Island. But yonder in Coney's home borough films on the rooftop is becoming an institution. Thor Equities did bring in a few of the old blockbuster classics on an inflatable screen that constantly kept bending and blowing in the wind but at least they handed out mats for relaxing comfort.

Tonight screens the Rooftop Films, for the first time on the roof of Brooklyn Tech. building with 'Dangerous Docs'. Their other rooftop films were screened on an old can factory building. For more info visit their site and run to catch it tonight.


Venue: on the roof of the Brooklyn Tech Address:
29 Fort Greene Place (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
8:00PM: Doors open 8:30PM
Sound Fix presents live music by Drink Up Buttercup
9:00PM: Dangerous Docs begin.