![\"Dennis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DENNIS-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Dennis Vourderis, co-owner of Deno\u2019s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Alliance for Coney Island board member, at a recent press conference.Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman<\/p>\n
According to Murphy, the Alliance was in the planning stages \u2014 the first stage of creating a BID \u2014 but never got to the outreach portion. \u201cIt died of natural death, but COVID really put the kibosh on it,\u201d he explained. \u201cBut the second time was the charm.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2022, Alexandra Silversmith, former Alliance executive director, applied for a BID formation grant from the city of New York, which was offered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services. The Alliance was accepted for the grant.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI stepped in soon after in January 2023 just as the steering committee was being formed,\u201d Murphy noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A \u201csteering committee,\u201d the first step in establishing a BID, typically consists of key stakeholders, executives and community representatives that essentially \u201csteer\u201d the BID effort with oversight, direction and decision-making guidance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The timeline for a BID averages two to five years from idea to operation.<\/p>\n
BID objectives\u00a0<\/p>\n
Goals of the new Coney Island BID will be to enhance business and safety in the area and to revitalize Mermaid and Surf avenues with local retail and event promotions, in addition to cleaner and safer streets, Murphy said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plan includes the development of two distinct business districts: the amusement area, focusing on entertainment and tourism, and the mermaid area, emphasizing local businesses and community spaces,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Murphy also spoke to the proposed boundaries for the BID. \u201cIt starts at the New York Aquarium \u2014 roughly West Eighth Street \u2014 and then heads to West 22nd Street on Surf Avenue, so the entire amusement district, east to west. It then connects to Mermaid Avenue through Stillwell Avenue and runs down Stillwell to West 33rd Street.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A clean and safe Coney Island<\/p>\n
Dennis Vourderis, co-owner of Deno\u2019s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and an Alliance for Coney Island board member, told the Eagle that he is very excited about Coney Island\u2019s new BID.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will ensure that the programs that the Alliance for Coney Island has started for the past 12 years will continue and grow and thrive,\u201d Vourderis said. \u201cMermaid and Surf avenues are as important as the boardwalk, and with the BID, the commercial corridors will get the attention they deserve.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Vourderis added that he believes events such as Friday Night Fireworks, the Sand Cculpting Competition and more will continue to enhance business as well, attracting visitors from New York City and the world. \u201cThe BID will also clean our streets and sidewalks and enhance security,\u201d he said. \u201cThis way, when visitors come, they will experience a clean and safe Coney Island.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking forward, Murphy said if he were to have one vision in the next five to 10 years for the Coney Island BID, it would be the development in the amusement area, which has several underutilized lots.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere are many small businesses that depend on that area being optimal for visitors,\u201d he said. \u201cNot to mention the millions of people from all over the five boroughs, the state, tri-state area and the world who come to Coney Island for a one-of-a-kind experience.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n A collection of independent businesses and attractions\u00a0<\/p>\n Home to more than 350 businesses and 50,000 residents, Coney Island is a collection of independent businesses and attractions, including high-end restaurants, souvenir shops and amusement rides, smaller mom-and-pop delis, hair salons, barbershops and pharmacies, as well as schools and nonprofits.<\/p>\n The Alliance for Coney Island is a nonprofit organization created in 2012. Its purpose is to provide a vehicle for supporting, promoting and rejuvenating the iconic Kings County neighborhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n Murphy described the organization as an alliance of businesses, residents and civic leaders. Board members include prominent Coney figures: Brooklyn Cyclones Vice President Steve Cohen, Nathan\u2019s Famous Senior Director of Company Operations Bruce Miller and Gargiulo\u2019s co-owner Michael Russo.<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJanuary 12 | \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJanuary 7 | \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Daniel Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island, alongside Alliance members, volunteers and guests at its annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner.
Photo by Arthur De Gaeta<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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