Saturday, November 29, 2008

Stillwell Station Storefront: Dunkin Donuts

Image courtesy of Rubys Host

The Dunkin Donuts store in the Stillwell Station in Coney Island is one of the few businesses that have moved into the station on Surf and Stillwell avenues. The place was busy during the season and has died down once the season was over. However, it should remain a nice 'round the clock source of needed hot coffee and a place to chill from the chill this winter


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Coney Vid: Coney Island Martin Luiten

Coney Island Martin Luiten

Description:
This is Martin Luiten's soundtrack to the film Coney Island. It is part of an experiment where one film gets many soundtracks to see what sound can do to the feel of a film.

Posted by
ConeyIslandSounds [YouTube]

City Aims To Buy Coney Property With Taxpayer Money

The city which, this year, bought one acre of the Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park with an allotted $200 million from a pool of capital money, is left with about $189 million. With that they plan to buy out the Mayor's rival in Coney Island, Thor Equities. But they hope that will also include repairs for the dilapidated boardwalk, and other Coney needed infrastructure.

The Brooklyn Paper reports:

Advocates for redeveloping the faded People's Playground concede that budgeting hundreds of millions of dollars is questionable public policy, but ultimately support the move because private landowners - before Sitt at least - have shown little inclination to invest in the area themselves for decades.

"Buying all this land my not have been the ideal move from the beginning," said Jonathan Bowles, director of the Center for an Urban Future, a planning group.

But , he added, "the problem with Coney Island for years, if not decades, was that so many landowner's were jut sitting on their property. There were empty lots galore."

This is true for the reason Coney has suffered too many empty lots but the city also never gave incentives and ease the many problems landowners had in Coney Island. However, that approach seems to be the last thing on the city's mind. They are intent on spearheading their own plans with full force.


City opens checkbook for Coney [The Brooklyn Paper]


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

CIDC Prez Lynn Kelly Optimistic About Amusement Trade Attendance

Last week Coney Island Development Corporation president, Lynn Kelly was in Orlando, Florida attending the amusement industry trade show at the 2008 IAAPA Expo where she felt it was successful in establishing future relationships.

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions is trade association for permanently situation amusement facilities around the world. They represent more than 4,500 members from over 90 countries.

In an email sent to Kinetic Carniavl by Libby Langsdorf, Senior Associate of Pulic Affairs for the NY EDC, was a statement by Lynn Kelly:

“The CIDC met with more than 160 people during the 2008 IAAPA Expo,” said CIDC President, Lynn Kelly. “We are excited by the industry’s response to the City’s plan for the rezoning of Coney Island and look forward to cultivating the industry relationships that we’ve made as we move through the public approval process.”

It would be interesting to see what kind of responses the CIDC received and if any outcome might affect their plans.

The IAAPA holds another networking and education meeting next year at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas February 24-26, 2009 for 'IAAPA Connections'. No word if the CIDC will attend.


Flickr Convoy: Coney Island Pier Fall

Image courtesy of Rubys Host / KC Flickr Group

With many gaps still on the planks of the boardwalk, here the pier is also showing signs of disrepair. At least it has been fenced off to avoid any falls.

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


Monday, November 24, 2008

ImageConey Results Announced

The Municipal Arts Society announces initial results of the ImageConey charrette.

More than 250 people gathered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music last week to see the unveiling of the initial results of the ImagineConey charrette which took place the previous week. Together with some inspired input from the public through the website ImagineConey.com, the charrette team — a group of world-class designers, engineers, producers and economists — developed new ideas for amusement rides, structures, events and interim activities at Coney Island that would restore it as one of the world’s most exciting entertainment and amusement destinations. Check out these original concepts, here


Astroland To Possible Reincarnate Down Under

A resort on Australia's gold coast is said to be in talks to purchase the entire Astroland park and ship it to Queensland, Australia, reports NY1.

Australia is also home to another theme park that pays homage to Coney Island with Luna Park located in Melbourne, Australia.


Saturday, November 22, 2008

Getting That Empty Feeling In Astroland

Image courtesy of Capt_Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)

Capt_Nemo posted a few more pictures of Astroland looking more like a Thor Equities lot than anything else. With the buzz about the city in negotiations to buy the Astroland property, no indication yet that Astroland will stay for sure. These images seen on the Coney Island USA message board by Capt_Nemo sure gives you that unfortunate feeling that the last nails in the coffin are being driven in.

Follow the discussion and see more pictures on the Coney Island USA message board.


Friday, November 21, 2008

Can The City Afford To Buy Coney?

As they have from the beginning, The Brooklyn Paper has, for the most part, been Pro-Thor on the Coney Island saga. This week they are peeved about the City's efforts to buy him out. They, or shall we say; the writer of the article, which is nameless, and is usual with many Brooklyn Paper stories, in the Brooklyn Paper asks:

But in a time when subway lines are being slashed, a fare hike is pending and the state is planning to raise funds with dubious East River bridge tolls, we asks again: why would the city spend close to $200 million to buy Sitt's land when Sitt's basic plan for Coney Island is so similar to what the city says it wants?

City officials say that buying out Sit is the only way to give the Bloomberg Administration what it needs to save Coney Island, Namely control of the land itself.

But that is a myth: The city already has control of the land that Sitt owns because that land is currently zoned only for amusement-related uses.

In other words, no mater how much land he owns, Sitt can't do anything except build an amusement park without a zoning change.

So the city doesn't need to buy out Sitt- it just needs to give a thumbs up or a thumbs down to whatever elements of his plan would veer from existing amusement zoning.

What the paper doesn't want to acknowledge is that leaving the land in Sitt's hand and only using zoning as its protection would prolong the withered state Coney Island is still in. The chicken game will go on and Thor would be patient enough to wait until the Bloomberg extended stay is over and while the economic crisis repairs a bit.

However, are Joe Sitt's plans the same as the City's? One thing is certain that is similar in both plans. And that is the negative possibility. Having most of Coney Island owned by one entity is fine but having one operator run the whole amusement area is not. Leaving the success of the entire area on in the hands of operator could lead us back to the start point if they fail.



Image courtesy of Julie Rosenberg for the Brooklyn Paper

More Coney Baloney [The Brooklyn Paper]


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Joey Coney Not To Be The Dundy Or Tilyou He Thought He’d Be

(Click image for larger view)

Two summers ago, under the Cyclone in the Coney Island History Project, Joey Coney Sitt of Thor Equities excitedly pulled open a CI History Project’s pamphlet and exclaimed to Charles Denson, director of the CIHP, something like “See these guys…Thompson…Dundy? I’m going to be like them for Coney Island one day!” Whether Mr. Sitt really believed that because he loved Coney Island so much or simply bought into his own gimmick and only out to make a profit, we may never know because Mr. Sitt may now, instead, go down in Coney history as another Horace Bullard.

Last week it was released or leaked to the press that the city is in serious negotiations with Joe Sitt and Thor Equities to buy their 10.5 property for a rumored price tag of somewhere between $200 to $250 million. This will include the propert under the
Astroland.

Is Joe Sitt ready to give up because he realizes the chicken game is over?

The
New York Post writes:

A Sitt spokesman declined comment, but sources said the developer had a change of heart and is willing to give up his two-year game of chicken with the administration over the future of Coney Island for several reasons.


To be exact, three major points could indicate that Thor and Sitt’s highlights on the Coney Island history timeline is about to stop here.

The NY Post writes:

* The city last month beat Sitt to buying a one-acre property in the middle of the developer's land. Sitt desired the site to have the contiguous acreage needed for his entertainment complex plan.

* With the City Council revising term limits, Bloomberg is no longer a lame duck. Sitt had counted on taking his chances with a new mayor.

* Sitt needs city backing for major development projects he's pushing in Red Hook and Bensonhurst, so he's trying to smooth his relationship with the administration by working out a deal in Coney Island.


Councilman Domenick Recchia who was previously opposed to Mayor’s plan to convert areas in the amusment core into parkland and who seemed to be on Thor’s side claims to have put the negotiations on the table. He seems to be happy that Astroland may be revived from its flatline status once again. Recchia said "The Mayor is committed to bringing back Astroland, at least for next summer".

Other points that indicate Joe Sitt is likely caving in, is from frequent poster on the Coney Island USA message board,
Switchback. He writes:

It is probably more like Sitt is suddenly willing to negotiate the sale of his Coney property and probably even approached the city this time. Why? Let’s look at the facts. Thor Equities was not able to come up with the money to finish payments on Ward's property and wound up losing it by default. This means they have a cash flow problem. It also means that they are probably in danger of losing the Astroland site to whoever they got the loan to pay for it. With Thor Equities unable to own Ward's including Jones Walk means they have no way of shutting down Deno’s kiddie park And since Jones Walk is now owned by the city and now becomes a public right of way that means no way in hell can Sitt combine it with other properties without it being demapped by the legislature. And once he loses Astroland to the bank then it is game over.


Another CIUSA board poster feels that Switchback is right and that we shouldn’t be so excited about all this until it’s a done deal because Astroland rides, at the moment, look like they're getting packed up to be shipped out. While yet another poster thinks this is simply a re-election bid by Bloomberg.

So, until we see the Astroland Astrotower being dismantled and an official announcement by Astroland owner/operator, Carol Albert be released and also see a “Flea by the Sea” flea market never come to Coney Island, we could be safe to assume that Joe Sitt still has his eye on joining the Coney Island History Project’s Wall of Fame and not their ‘Wall of Shame’ (which would join him with the likes of Robert Moses and Fred Trump). Then again he probably wouldn’t make that wall either because all Joey Coney would have done in this case is just a lot of noise. But nonetheless, the noise needed to wake up the Coney Island revival and get it moving into its future.



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 Vid: Coney Island - Brooklyn - New York

Coney Island - Brooklyn - New York

Description:
A trip to Coney Island in june 2008

Posted by
bib2006 [YouTube]

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Video Excerpts Of Monday 'Imagine Coney' Meeting

Excerpts of last Monday's Municipal Art Society Imagine Coney meeting that took place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Imagine Coney Pt 1

Description:
Imagine Coney is an intiative of the Municipal Arts Society of New York to create new ideas for the future of Coney Island to restore the area to it's former position as a great entertainment and amusement area - the "world's playground."

Imagine Coney Pt 2

Posted by
Boulevard07 [YouTube]


Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Imagine Coney MAS At Brooklyn Academy Of Music Flickr Slideshow

Flickr Slideshow by Mr Jonsey PabloJonsey

Can't Get To The New Coney Without The Coney Express

It will be certain that any new tourist destination or any revitalized Coney Island will need a super fast express route from Manhattan to Coney. Here it sure seems as though the express N Trains are gearing up for such a reality. We wish so!

New Images From Imagine Coney's Zany World

Today, MAS released a new concept for Coney Island that features near-term and long-term programming elements. The concept calls for Coney Island to become the main stage for New York City, providing a platform for small and large performances and events in coordination with its role as an amusement destination.








Yet Again An Astroland Revival?

Image courtesy of Genista (Flickr.com)

Word (according to the New York Post) and buzz from last night's MAS "Imagine Coney" public meeting has it that the city is now in negotiations to buy up the Astroland property and some of Thor's other parcels for a walloping $250 million.

The New York Post writes:

The Bloomberg administration is in serious negotiations to buy 10.5 acres of real estate in Coney Island that once appeared unobtainable - a move that would save both Astroland Park and the mayor's plans to revive the slumping seaside amusement district.


You can follow the discussion at the Coney Island USA message board.


What's The Big Ideas Here In Coney?

The Municipal Arts Society and Center for an Urban Future "Imagine Coney" public meetings have been taking shape. Yesterday's took place at BAM: The Brooklyn Academy of Music. Some of the novel concepts so far by the public are:

Create a Venice, CA-style Muscle Beach
Brooklyn Nets/Nudie Bar/Gambling

Hologram Facility/Video Wormhole
Dig Hole to China
Reestablish Massive Clock
Outdoor Stage/Indoor Theater for Public Use
New Fanciful Architecture
Best Water Ride Ever
Robots
Adult Fun
New Old Rides
National Eating Hall of Fame
Transport Rides
Be in Video Game
Laser Water Show
Interspecies Friendship



Coney Vid: Knives Thrown At Broad Daylight In Coney Island

Fran Capo - Gets knives thrown at her in broad Daylight

Description:
So what happens when the worlds fastest talker, Fran Capo...meets the worlds Fastest Knife thrower in Coney Island...She gets Knives thrown at her at record speed...now that's one way to shut her up :)

Posted by
FranCapo1H [YouTube]


Saturday, November 15, 2008

Flickr Convoy: Luna Park Living

Image courtesy of Barry Yanowitz / KC Flickr Group

Barry Yanowitz, one of our favorite photographers of Coney Island. This image reminds us of what makes up the Coney Island skyline that cant' be forgotten of the Robert Moses era. An era in Coney Island that crippled it's amusement vibrancy forever.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Message To Joe Sitt And Thor Equities: "CLEAN UP THIS MESS!"

Unless Thor Equities and Joe Sitt are planning to bring to Coney Island a trash skyscraper and make humor of a new rat problem, it seems we can be quite confident that the all the garbage being piled up on the Thor Equities lot on Stillwell Avenue left to rot and attract rats and other nocturnal varmints and to permeate the air with a foul stench is being left there on purpose by Thor Equities to make their point.

As Capt_Nemo wonders on the Coney Island USA message board:

Do you think this is a well crafted plan by Sitt to destroy Coney Island as a tourist destination?

Now he [Sitt/Thor] is letting garbage pile up on his land. What follows garbage? Rats. Can you imagine what will happen to people going to the beach when news stories of people are being chased by rats when trying to go to the beach via Stillwell Ave?

If Joes Sitt and Thor Equities don't clean up their mess immediately we can surely assume they know very well they are letting it stay there! So, please Joe Sitt and Thor Equities CLEAN UP THIS MESS!



Thursday, November 13, 2008

Image Coney Event: Imagine Coney Initial Presentation

From 'Image Coney' announcement:

Please join us on Monday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. when representatives of the world-class design team MAS has convened to develop new ideas for Coney Island's future will present the initial results of Imagine Coney.

On Thursday and Friday this week, the design team of architects, engineers, amusement designers and producers - including experts who have worked with Broadway Theater, Disney Corporation and other international amusement parks - will gather at the New York Aquarium for a two-day intense design workshop - known as a charrette - to develop bold new ideas for Coney Island based on input given online and at two public workshops. Members of the public are welcome to stop by at
Aquarium Cafeteria at 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. to meet the team.



ImagineConey Initial Presentation
Monday, November 17th

6.30 - 8.30 p.m.
Bamcafe, Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Street, Brooklyn NY
Session is free, but reservations are strongly encouraged.
RSVP online or call 212-935-2075.

Image Coney: We Want YOUR Ideas

Coney Island needs to be revitalized and reimagine. Send 'Imagine Coney' your best ideas. The ideas will be displayed on their website and at an exhibit at the Municipal Arts Society that will open in January.


Public Imagines Coney at First of Two Workshops

Image courtesy of masnyc (Flickr.com)

A diverse of folks from the public gathered together for a brainstorm event to re-Imagine Coney Island at the Coney Island Gospel Assembly, this past Monday. They huddled up at various round tables to discuss and throw out random ideas on what they feel Coney Island should really become. This first event of two (the second already held as well) was sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society.
You can view the meeting's Flickr set
here.

Image courtesy of masnyc (Flickr.com)

Richard (Rapid T. Rabbit) Concepcion, a friend and a connoisseur on the history of carousels and amusement parks has been an active part of the Coney Island community as both Rapid T. Rabbit and as himself. He attended this meeting and describes his experience on the Coney Island USA message board.

I attended the workshop session last night at the Gospel Assembly Church on Neptune Avenue. Charles Denson was there to photograph the activity but did not directly participate. I also saw Diane Carlin there and Senator Kruger.

I didn't know what to expect when I got there at 6:30pm just as they were getting started (the church was a long walk from the subway, though afterwards I found the bus on Mermaid to take me back) but it was an interesting experience. We all were seated at any of about a half-dozen tables and held separate brainstorming sessions guided by a facilitator from the MAS following a preset outline. Each table first was charged with coming up ten points of what was attractive about Coney Island, and then ten points of what Coney Island needs to maintain and build on those. After a 30 minute time limit, each table made a quick presentation summarizing their consensus while all these ideas were transcribed. The second part of the workshop then had each table assigned to address a particular need or problem for Coney Island, quantifying three points and then solutions for the same. In this part of the session, people were allowed to get up and select which table to sit at that met their particular expertise. Like the first part, that was again followed up with a quick summary presentation by each table, and these were so transcribed onto a laptop computer.

The input of ideas distilled from all in attendance will be combined with the output from the workshops being held at the Brooklyn Public Libary, and will go to the charette, and the final conclusions will be presented next week during the meeting at BAM.


Below is a set of photos from the Imagine Coney Briefing Day which took place at the Brookyn Borough Hall Monday, October 27, 2008.

Coney Vid: Save Coney Movie Film Series Ep. 3

Save Coney Island Movie Film Series Episode # 3

Description:
With over 180 hours of footage shot over the course of two years, Peter LiPera, and his fantastic crew present a web series about Coney Island. The series involves a reedit of all the unused footage in the upcoming documentary, Save Coney Island the Movie.

Posted by
SaveConeyIslandMovie [YouTube]


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Center For An Urban Future's Report On 'Visions" For Coney Island

The Center for an Urban Future issued their first report yesterday entitled "Coney Island Visions". The report asks various questions to individuals from various areas from architects, historians, novelists, developers and amusement industry experts from New York and around the world offer their “vision” for Coney Island’s future.

The report features 23 brief Q&A’s, with Brooklyn author: Jonathan Lethem, video game developer: Eric Zimmerman, architecture critic: Paul Goldberger, Tivoli Gardens CEO: Lars Liebst, and others including Michael Immerso, Charles Denson and Dianna Carlin.

Most of the individuals in their report agree that the uniqueness and character of Coney Island must be maintained. As well as a preference to smaller owners and operators with a majority to be of amusements. As always thought, an express train from Times Square is one mainly needed addition in order to generate the volume of tourists to the area if it were to become a real tourist destination. While only some gave specific ideas like video game developer Eric Zimmerman integrating state of the art related attractions and Dianna (Lola Staar) Carlin bringing her love of musical artists and merging an MTV-brought-to-life ride attraction - most centered on the generalities of what's needed to keep the spirit of Coney Island intact.

More of this report later.
To read the full report,
click here.

Coney Island Training Program Fair

Discover a new carrer this Wednesday, November 19th from 2 to 6 pm at the Coney Island Training Program Fair. The training fair is presented by The Coney Island Development Corporation.

...offers you one-on-one access to career advisors. Tap into professional training programs and pursur certification opportuniities in a variety of fields.


What: Coney Island Training Program Fair
When: Wednesday, November 19th, 2PM - 6PM
Where: Liberation Diploma High School at Our Lady of Solace Church 2865 West 19th Street (Between Mermaid Ave. & Neptune Ave.) Brooklyn, New York 11224


Coney Vid: Coney Island Baby

coney island baby

Posted by
polaroidchio [YouTube]


Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Eye Candy At The 'Coney Island Maybe' Exhibit

Image courtesy of Hazel Hankin (Coney Island Maybe exhibit)

Photographers and visual artists of all types continue be drawn to Coney Island even after 'its world-class attractions slowly give way to an undeniable seediness', reports the New York Times on the visual art and photography exhibit on Coney Island, entitled "Coney Island Maybe".

The New York Times:

These pictures, most of them taken in the past year or so, serve as a reminder that Coney Island continues to exert a powerful hold on the public imagination. It’s easy to imagine that even a century from now, photographers or their 22nd-century equivalents will be peering through their viewfinders, gazing at the sights and saying, “Smile!” — in the hope of capturing the soul of a place that seems never to go out of style.



You can view eight of the images from the exhibit here.

Wish You Were Here [The New York Times]


Thor Can't Seem To Clean Up Its Stinky Garbage

As usually pointed out by Coney's eye and roving photographer Capt_Nemo, more (illegal dumping?) garbage and smelly junk has been left to rot by Thor Equities on their empty dirt lot. Is this what the empty Astroland lot will look like in the spring next year?


Images courtesy of Capt_Nemo (Coney Island USA message board)


Wonder Wheel Gets Stripped For The Winter

Image courtesy of Capt_Nemo (Coney Island USAmessage board)

As Coney Island's roving photographer pointed on the Coney Island USA message board, the Wonder Wheel has been stripped of its riding cars as occurs every year for its winter hibernation. The structure stands 150 feet high, has a diameter of 135 feet and holds 144 people at one time. Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park dismantles the wheel's riding cars every year and refurbishes and overhauls them. They also revamp the motor and work on the superstructure itself to make sure that it will maintain the perfect safety it's been providing since it first opened.


Monday, November 10, 2008

Reminder: 'Imagine Coney' Public Workshop Tonight

Join Us Tonight to Imagine Coney at the Municipal Arts Society!

MAS has assembled a world-class team of architects, engineers, amusement designers and creative producers to participate in an intense design workshop later this month to develop new ideas for activities, designs, events and interim uses for Coney Island — and they need your input. At two public workshops this week, you are invited to Imagine Coney. The first is tonight, Monday, November 10, at the Coney Island Gospel Assembly, 2828 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn, co-hosted by the Astella Development Corporation. The second public meeting is this Wednesday, November 12, at the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. More information.



Friday, November 07, 2008

Coney History Project Director Charles Denson On WBAI Radio

Catch Charles Denson of the Coney Island History Project on WBAI Radio speak about the people of Coney Island at Cat Radio Cafe, a live salon which delves into the politics of art and the creative bounty of New York is hosted by Janet Coleman and David Dozer. Monday, November 10th 2 to 3 pm.

Click here to hear the program from the WBAI archive. The segment with Mr. Denson starts in at about the halfpoint of the edition.

Congratulations To Charles Denson And The Coney Island History Project

The Archivists Roundtable of Metropolitan New York honors the Coney Island History Project with the 2008 ARTS Award for Innovative Use of Archives

The Archivists Round Table is a diverse group of more than 330 archivists, librarians, and records managers in the New York area. "The Awards Committee commends Coney Island History Project's novel and innovative methods in documenting a beloved landmark and cultural institution. Through the Project's efforts, the Coney Island community has been enriched and empowered, with its history and artifacts preserved for all to cherish."


More Coney Events From Beyond: House Of Mirrors

On November 7th Lola Staar and Undersea Explosion will transform the basement of Fontana's into an erotic fun house of rock and roll decadence. Four excellent New York bands, Undersea Explosion, Kilsy, Pistola and Dead Sextons will combine forces of haunting darkness and dazzling light in a live performance unlike anything you've ever seen. Lola Staar will cultivate an enchanted House of Mirrors through her set design and projections. She will also be curating a spectacular array of Burlesque and Sideshow performers from the sultry stages of Coney Island who will defy reality with their amazing and death defying acts. House of Mirror's sparkling lights and mind- bending projections will disorient whatever is remaining of your tether to the third dimension.


House of Mirrors
November 7th 2008

Doors at 8pm. Show at 9pm.
$7 at door.
21 and over please.
Fontana's is located at 105 Eldridge Street
between Broome and Grand.
Chinatown/Lower East Side.
Visit Website Here.


Thursday, November 06, 2008

Coney Events Beyond: The Lola Staar Holiday Gift Market In Manhattan

Alas... the dreamy seaside days of Summer are over! Coney Island is closed for the winter months!! However, you don't have to wait all winter for your Lola Staar fix!! Visit our fabulous Holiday Gift Boutique in the Union Square Holiday Market!!



Lola Staar Holiday Boutique in Union Square!!
Open every day

except Thanksgiving Day
from Saturday, November 22nd
until Wednesday, December 24th!



Wednesday, November 05, 2008

'Coney Island Maybe' Art And Photo Exhibit

'Coney Island Maybe' is an exhibit that opens Saturday, November 8th and runs through December 14, 2008. Open 6 to 9 pm. Admission is Free! Expect amusement, refreshments, and mermaids. It's all at the Puffin Room.


Artists include Africasso, Richard Eagan, and Marie Roberts as well as photographs by Robert and Robbie Baily, among others, plus an exhibit of historical photos by Charles Denson.

The Puffin Room is located at 435 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013.


Tuesday, November 04, 2008

You Too Can Be A Coney Imagineer

It's Time to Imagine Coney: A Call for Ideas!

The voice for the future of New York City: The Municipal Arts Society has put out a call to express you imagination for the new Coney Island. The Society is attempting to assemble a team to reinvision what's best for the future of Coney Island.

Here's the letter from Kent Barwick, President:

On Monday, October 27, MAS launched ImagineConey, a new initiative to develop new ideas for Coney Island's future. Our goal is to see Coney Island restored to its place as one of the world’s great entertainment and amusement destinations - the "world's playground.” On that day, we brought together a world-class team of designers, engineers, producers and economists at Brooklyn Borough Hall to listen to presentations from key stakeholders (click here to see photographs from the day and here to watch a NY1 broadcast).

The team will return for a two-day "charrette" - an intense design workshop - on November 13 and November 14 and present their initial ideas to the public on November 17.

Here’s how to submit your ideas. 1) Visit our new website
ImagineConey.com. You can submit ideas as text (less than 150 words) on the website or as graphics which can be emailed to us at imagineconey@mas.org. 2) Attend a workshop next Monday, November 10 (in Coney Island) or next Wednesday, November 12 (at Brooklyn Public Library). For more information about the workshops, click here.

All of the ideas will be displayed online at
ImagineConey.com and also at an exhibit that will open in January 2009 here at MAS. The deadline for submission is December 15, and ideas submitted before November 12 will also be considered by the team for potential inclusion in their presentation on November 17.

So start "Imagining Coney" - and please forward this e-mail to all your friends and colleagues who you think might be interested!

Sincerely,
Kent Barwick, President


Monday, November 03, 2008

Coney Vid: A Fond Fairwell....?

Here's a fond fairwell spoof on Coney lovers that teeters on the 'anything-is-bettah-that-this-shit-here-today' mentality.

Coney Island: A Fond Fairwell

Description:
A completly improvised film made by Collarsup.com. Join us as we say goodbye to "the greatness" that is Coney Island. Starring Will Nunziata, Becca Greene, Mackenzie Condon, Eric Hollerbach, Zach Linder, Jerry Miller and Mark Sikes.Directed by Becca GreeneEdited by Becca Greene and Alan Harris.

Posted by
willzone [YouTube]


Flickr Convoy: Neighboring Ghost

Image courtesy of Lornagrl / KC Flickr Group
Well, Halloween is over and Coney Island is quietly settling in the Fall/Winter months. Though not many ghouls of the traditional kind have been spotted lurking in Coney Island, thanks to Lornagrl this ghostly character has been spotted along one of Coney's neighboring streets in Brighton Beach.