Rubys Host Talks Coney

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Our favorite Coney gal, Rubys Host talks about her Coney weekends on American Public Media's 'America's Weekend'.

Image courtesy of Ruby's Host
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'Freak Accident' At Shoot The Freak

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Rubys Host tells KC about a 'Freak Accident' at the popular Coney attraction - Shoot the freak. As Rubys Host explains, apparently there is a new kid working in the Shoot the Freak pit called the 'zone' dodging paint balls. At one point when a customer had finished playing and put his gun down - the customer's child grabbed the gun and shot the unsuspecting kid working as the 'freak' and nailed him in the eye and was rushed to Coney Island Hospital. No word yet on his condition.

Coney Boardwalk Repairs Resume For Winter

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

As our good friend, Rubys Host, brings us, fences are going back up on the Coney Island Boardwalk from the Stillwell Bathhouse to Gregory & Paul's (which is now run by Paul's daughter). They have even snug a fence in the sand and have removed most of the benches. The railings are next to go in preparation for the continuation of the repairs on that part of the boardwalk. The light posts are to remain as they work around them.

Rubys Host points out that Cha Cha's is still open on weekends and the Polar Bear Swims have started for the '09/'10 season.

Ruby Host Rant: Coney Is NOT Shutting Down!

Coney Island lover Ruby's Host wants to set the record straight. She doesn't want the press to set the wrong tone about the closing of Coney Island. In a recent e-mail burst she expresses her concerns:

Coney Island IS Not "SHUTTING DOWN" the rides as quoted by "Tricia Vita" that are "packing up" are not the Actual Coney Rides as Astroland and Deno's. They are a group of traveling carnivals with rides, games etc that were only contracted by Thor to be here from Memorial day weekend to the end of July. They are scheduled to be in TN for - I believe a state or county fair. Coney Island is still here. We, as owners/operators were told they would be here for a short stay this summer. Coney Island has always had traveling carnivals " Stop by for short visit" .

There was a second traveling carnival that was here as well that left the middle of June as their contract with Thor had stated. The property that the traveling carnival housed was purchased by Thor about 4 years ago.

We are trying to preserve the acres that are zoned as the amusement park section along with the heritage of Coney Island etc. The true section of Coney Island is about 3+ miles long not just the main artery of Stillwell and Surf Ave. Coney Island is a spirit of adventure - the birth place of roller coasters, food, boardwalk, friends, beer, new and strange wonderful - mysterious things not just a ride by the beach. This struggle will be on going for the next few years now that Thor and the city have started their Public Scoping hearings etc.

Best,
Rubys Host

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Ruby's Bar Still Awaits Lease For 2009

Image courtesy or Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

As our favorite Coney gal, Ruby's Host informs us: the famed Ruby's Bar & Grill on the Coney Island boardwalk is still awaiting a lease for the 2009 season. As most likely assumed, the other boardwalk businesses under the same landlord, like Lola Staar's boutique may also be waiting to hear from Thor Equities on any lease extensions.

As Rubys Host is concerned that Polar Bear Day Party at Ruby's may be the last one to take place at the bar. Two days after the December 30th last day of lease. At this point...no negotiations. She also points out that last year they knew about a lease for this year by August of 2008.

Boxing Match At Coney's Beer Island

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

The amateur boxing match took place at Coney Beer Garden and was presented by the NYPD and The Boxing Federation who have rented out the space for a few more matches coming up. Each event is a walloping $20.oo to view from inside. And all of that goes to the NYPD. However, we shouldn't complain because the NYPD's heavy presence is what keeps our Coney Island much safer than most people assume.

Rubys Host says:

They do 3 rounds with several fights. At midnight they were still going on. It started about 8:15. I took a bunch of shots then went to see Smokey Robinson. While walking home at about 11:30, they were just starting another round of fights

Killing Coney: Coney Historic Building Will Soon Be History

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

As Rubys Host brings to our attention, the Henderson building on the Bowery and Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island will is being prepared for demolition.  'Shoot the Star' game concession was closes and in the process of being removed.  Everything was beginning to come out for gutting prior to demolition.  A sad video will the the actual demolition of this historic building.  Preserving a few historic structures for Coney's future is of no importance to Joe Sitt and Thor Equities.  They are not interested in the community but their self gain.

Summer Of Hope's Ring Of Fire Leaves Coney

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

Here is the Ring Of Fire attraction that was sitting on the Thor Equitie's lot being dismantled and carted away from Coney Island and joining many other attractions that have come and gone quickly. Thanks to Rubys Host who caught this image of the ride being collapsed.

Sarah Palin Spotted At Coney Island?

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Group

Rubys Host spots armed forces helicopters whizzing by over over the Coney Island shore with what appears to be Sara Palin returning to airport after Saturday Night Live tapping in New York City this past weekend.

Coney's Boardwalk Biz Operators Being Squeezed Off The Boardwalk Due To Half The Space

Image courtesy of Paul Martinka [New York Post]

The long-running businesses that operate along the boardwalk, and who have been on edge every season change in the last couple of years with uncertainties, are now up on arms by the Parks Department ordering that they keep their stuff off the boardwalk for the Mermaid Day Parade.  That means tables, chairs, signs, concessions, and even trash bins, which have already disappeared, two weeks ago..  The boardwalk is half closed due to mismanagement of the boardwalk's repair procedure.  Places like Cha-Cha's, Ruby's Bar & Grill, and Lola Star Boutique could suffer on the first busiest day of the season.

According to various emails we received, the Parks Department says, the little space available is needed for the parade to go through.  And that Sunday (of at least, after the parade marches on through), they will be allowed to put out everything again. "Lola Star's Boutique & Cha Cha's have it worse - if they can't get stuff out - hardly anyone will be able to get in", said Rubys Host.  She and a few of the business owners have been contacting the Parks Department with no success.
 

The trash problem alone has already demonstrated what a careless decision this is by the Parks Department.  Trash has been stuffed under the benches and thrown around in corners and on the beach itself.  "We just got voted by Travel & Leisure as one of the top 12 boardwalks in the US - this wont last long if it's full of trash.", wrote Rubys Host.

In the meantime while, they work fast to get the Parks Department to change their minds, a few of the businesses are finding solutions.  Cha Cha's may open their rooftop again this season to compensate for loss of boardwalk space. Ruby's Bar & Grill is putting their beer station inside.

Aside from the business, the mere congestion on the boardwalk this season is expected to be a huge problem.  With the new Luna Park, the baseball games, The parade, and the Ringling Brothers Circus, swarms of people along heeps of trash will not be a pleasant site. 

Rich Calder in The New York Post's Brooklyn Blog writes:

That’s because most of the prime boardwalk space is fenced off for renovations, crushing the summer throngs into one lane of pedestrian traffic in the sweltering heat. And it’s no better on nearby streets, as drivers are fuming over new city-enforced traffic patterns that have left parts of Neptune, Surf and Mermaid avenues routinely resembling a parking lot since the warm weather kicked in.

Brooklyn summer bummer [NY Post's Brooklyn Blog]

Dried Lemons On The Boardwalk

Image courtesy of Capt_Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

The squeezy lemon shop that Thor Equities allowed to squeeze out genuine Coney flavor; Lola Staar had apparently been dried up with nothing to squeeze on the boardwalk. Word via our friend Rubys Host, tells us that the lemonade shop is no longer there. Or at least were no signs of them the entire weekend. She also adds, "Rumor has it that the Coney Island Beach Shop has a spot in the Stillwell Station and will open this fall".

On another Stillwell Station storefronts: The Subways sandwich shop which was closed for refurbishing is almost set to open...whoo wee! Let's hope these little franchises stay north of Surf Avenue.

Image on left courtesy of Rubys Host

Disney Castle Comes Coney...Thor Inflatable Style

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

As part of Thor Equities and their Summer of Hot Air Hope has have inflated a Disney castle within the other character inspired inflatable kiddie attractions which cost $2 to have your children bounce in. As Rubys Host tells us, the rest of their lot is still empty.

Flickr Convoy: Happy Chap Wedding Guest

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Pool

Another wonderful image brought to us by our friend Rubys Host aka Diana. A delightful crisp colorful chap enjoys being a guest at a Coney Island wedding.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog.

Cha Cha's In Coney Island Is Thor's Latest Lock Out

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Ruby's Host informs us that the locks have been changed to Cha Cha's gates by landlord Thor Equities at 1:15 this afternoon. So, Cha Cha's is another boardwalk business that at this point will not return again for the 2009 Coney season. She also said that so far Cha Cha's John Garcia will still be involved in "Beer Island" with partner, Anthony, operator of "Shoot the Freak" (a long-time big Thor supporter).

Ruby's Host also said:

Thor Equities was seen today with potential business associates viewing the properties on the boardwalk. All properties.

Ruby's locks are fine, though. And the whole section from Tommy's souvenir to the Gyro stand is ok. However, Lola Staar is already packing and has time to move. And finally, Paul & Gregory have till end of January to vacate. They have been slowly moving out.

Flickr Convoy: Imagine Coney Meet At BAM

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Group

Ruby's Host, who attended last Monday's Municipal Arts Society's 'Imagine Coney' meeting at the Brooklyn Academy of Music said, "[The meeting] was interesting. There were some good ideas from the audience. From people that live, work and just simply love Coney. They also talked about a sky ride going down Surf Ave from Keyspan Park to The Cyclone - then going around and retuning by the beach side - doing this above the buildings".

Ruby's Host believes part of whatever plans actually become a reality for Coney Island should include restructuring some of the old building's foundation along the boardwalk. She will always remember the floor that gave way at Ruby's bathroom sending a man down the pits.

Join the Kinetic Carnival Flickr Group to add your Coney Island images and have them featured on this blog.

Coney Events: Ruby's Bar & Grill Season Openner And Master Mural

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flckr.com)

This Saturday, Ruby's Bar and Grill opens its new mural gates for the season. Lots is planned for the most anticipated Coney Island season in decades: Karaoke Nights , (TBD), Game Trivia Nights, plus other new exciting things in the works coming up! Also this Palm Sunday join Mermaid Hawley, Heartbreaker Robert Bluesman Ross, Alan BBQ Nunez, Johanna Taylor and Sarah Finks in unavailing and honoring Master with a new mural of him.

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flckr.com)

Rubys' Bar and Grill Opening Day
Saturday, March 27th 2010
at 12 noon Ruby's Opens for seasonon the world famous Coney Island boardwalk

Ruby's Bar and Grill
"Salute to Master"
Sunday, March 28th 2010
at 2pm
on the world famous Coney Island boardwalk

Staten Island Brush Fire Smoke Seen From Coney Island

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Yesterday's Easter Sunday winds in New York helped to spread a brush fire in Staten Island threatening a few beach homes in the Homestead residential area. A six-alarm fire, called it, the fire department. The billows of smoke were seen from Coney Island and photographed by Ruby's Host

The Star-Ledger Continuous News Desk via New Jersey.com reports:

250 firefighters were deployed to douse the fire, which ignited around 2 p.m. today and damaged at least three houses, the report says. No injuries were initially reported, but residents in two of the three affected
houses were evacuated.

Staten Island brush fire is visible from N.J. Turnpike [New Jersey.com]

Ruby's Opens Despite Ruby's

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Ruby's Bar & Grill opened on the Coney Island boardwalk today literally and sort of figuratively. Despite being unable to open inside due to the fencing so they set up a make-shift bar outside of the fence. As Ruby's Host indicates, people were allowed through the fence as long as they stayed over at Cha-Cha's which has been open for business a couple of weeks already. Despite, the windy and chilly day, people were enjoying themselves on the slabs at Cha-Cha's. Then after a few short hours Ruby's closed and packed up their make-shift bar.

This week, the boardwalk planks should be placed and the fences taken away. Some still question the slabs under the boardwalk planks. The city says they are used to protect people from falling through broken planks and to help support city vehicles. But some speculate that the slabs may not help the naturally drainage and sand build-up between the planks which could cause faster rotting.

And Ruby's expects to have their official opening inside by next weekend.

So Now Its The Federal Funding To Rescue The Boardwalk

Image courtesy of Rubys Host (Flickr.com)

Of course, any funding is good funding for Coney Island. According to a press release reported on the Gotham Gazette, the city has received federal funding for various projects that fall under the transportation category. Earlier, as Ruby's Host recalls to KC in an e-mail, it's interesting to know what happened to the funds that Coney Island Development Corporation president, Lynn Kelly and Council Member, Domenic Recchia boasted about last year at a meeting. They claimed that they already had about $20 million given by the state for the boardwalk repairs. Unless, the $20 million from the state is what's paying for the repairs going on now. But then again the jumpstart in renovations was funded with a check by New York State Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz (45th dist.) and Alec Brook-Krasny (46th dist.) as reported by The Epoch Times.

Gotham Gazette's Wonkster blog reports:

The projects, which span all five boroughs, are worth a total of $1.1 billion and will keep or create 32,000 jobs, according to the administration.

The press release states that the boardwalk's repairs were allotted $15 million with an estimated 2011 completion.


With regards to Coney Island the press release reads:

Reconstruction of Coney Island Boardwalk

Description: Reconstruction of crumbling portions of the deteriorated boardwalk. The current boardwalk is structurally unsound in some areas and constantly requires “band-aid” repairs or partial reconstruction. The reconstruction will be done using sustainable materials that have a lower carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs and will reduce future deterioration to unsafe conditions. Reconstruction work will take place from West 31st to West 37th Street, West 15th Street to Stillwell Avenue, and Surf Avenue / Ocean Parkway to Brighton 2nd. Maintaining a state of good repair along the boardwalk will help ensure the health of local tourism and recreation industries.

Total Project Cost: $15 million
Displaced Funding
Received: $15 million
Other Funding: $0
Construction Bid: Spring 2009
Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Gotham Gazette Wonkster listed all other city projects to benefit from the stimulus package here.

New Eatery Opening Up In Coney's Mermaid Avenue And Stillwell

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

Ruby's Host sent us this picture across the street from the Stillwell Avenue station entrance at Mermaid Avenue. A new eatery on the north west corner of Stillwell and Mermaid avenue which at the moment has no name is either a diner or restaurant.