Light Designer Lashes Out at Marty's Desire For Bling

In his State of the Borough Address last week, Brooklyn BP Marty Markowitz announced a proposed $1.5 million revamping of the Parachute Drop's lighting. This raised a few eyebrows, considering that the last such revamping was only two years ago.

The Gowanus Lounge pointed out Markowitz's fickle stance on the issue, using his own words:

Mr. Markowitz originally called the redone stucture "a beacon of light for this and future generations, harking and heralding Coney Island as a place where dreams come true." Last week, he said it needed "more bling."

Particularly displeased with the plan to revamp the lighting was Leni Schwendinger, who designed the current lights. Schwendinger responded to Markowitz's announcement with an editorial in Wednesday's Post:

The Coney Island Parachute Jump illumination is an internationally recognized symbol of Coney Island and Brooklyn - created in close collaboration with NYC's Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Brooklyn Borough President's office and the espected engineering firm STV ("City To Do the Light Thing for Coney LandMark," Feb. 8).

For over two years, this design - depicting seasons, moods and the Coney-by-the-Sea carnival tradition - has appealed to audiences, young and old and from every walk of life.

It has been celebrated in publications worldwide, and it has received awards from professional engineering, construction, lighting and landmark associations.

When a politician flies in the face of all this goodwill to divisively demand more "bling" and less "art," New Yorkers should ask themselves: What's wrong with this picture?

Leni Schwendinger
Principal Light Projects LTD, Manhattan

NY LANDMARK ADRIFT [New York Post]
Parachute Jump Lighting Designer Peeved at New Plan [Gowanus Lounge]

- post by Ben Nadler