CONEY ISLAND — An elected official and locals are calling for NYC Parks and NYC Economic Development Corporation to make repairs to Riegelmann Boardwalk.
The conference, held July 8 by state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, highlighted dangerous conditions to the historic walkway, including broken boards, loose nails and holes in the wood planks that could lead to serious injuries.
Riegelmann Boardwalk. Photo: Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“During the summer, when thousands of residents and visitors are on the boardwalk for entertainment, food, exercise and amusements, there are numerous safety hazards present,” she said. “Designated as a New York City Scenic Landmark in 2018, this boardwalk is a common destination for locals and visitors alike. The Riegelmann Boardwalk should be treated as such, ensuring it is preserved for future generations.”
She added, “Additionally, as Coney Island and Brighton Beach are both classified as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, these fixes are especially imperative to protect older adults.”
She also stated that there is a history of accidents because of the dangerous conditions.
“Whether the incident be a person tripping or a toddler being put at risk after their stroller hits a nail, these events are all avoidable with swift action from Parks and NYCEDC,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “While the full project is slated to take years, I request both agencies address the hazardous conditions to ensure the safety of all patrons of the Riegelmann Boardwalk.”
Last year, then-Mayor Eric Adams, NYCEDC and NYC Parks officially announced a $1 billion investment to reconstruct areas in Coney Island, which included the reconstruction of the boardwalk. They stated the restoration project will upgrade all 2.7 miles of it across several phases of work and make vital improvements.
A NYC Parks spokesperson told the Brooklyn Eagle that crews make regular repairs to the space.
Coney Island resident speaks about the boardwalk. Photo: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
“The Reigelmann Boardwalk consists of over 1 million boards,” the spokesperson said. “Our carpentry crews perform repairs on the boardwalk five days a week from April to November to ensure it is safe for visitors.”
“We are working with EDC on the $1 billion project to completely reconstruct the entire boardwalk, which will improve resiliency and ensure the boardwalk can continue to welcome visitors for generations to come,” they continued. “This long-term project is still in the early stages and is expected to cover multiple years.”
Scarcella-Spanton said NYC Parks confirmed in early July that construction remains years away.
“While funding for long-term capital repairs is a step in the right direction, I urge the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to make incremental fixes to the boardwalk to ensure the safety of all who frequent it,” she said.
Angela Kravtchenko, district leader and Friends of Asser Levy Park organizer, said that they can’t wait years for the overhaul.
“The danger is happening today,” she said. “The injuries are happening today. We need immediate, aggressive repairs. We need the heavy trucks off the wood, and we need to save our landmark now before another neighbor gets hurt.”
Adam Rinn of Coney Island USA speaks. Photo: State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
“People come to Coney Island for the thrill rides, the history, the beach and the boardwalk, but falling on a loose board or nail isn’t the trip that people want to take,” said Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island USA. “We’re asking for a safer boardwalk.”
Community Board 13 District Manager Eddie Mark said NYC Parks and NYCEDC put out an RFP for a contractor to oversee the project.
“They are in the process of choosing a vendor and we should hear from them soon,” he said.
“The city committed $1 billion to rebuild the Coney Island Boardwalk, and we support it, but the project will take many years,” said Coney Island resident Mike Iospa. “People are walking it today, not years from now. Every loose plank and protruding screw is a preventable hazard. Reconstruction and maintenance and repairs are not competing priorities.”