A Trying Time for Coney Island
Every year, tradition has dictated the the Cyclone roller coaster on Brooklyn’s Coney Island opens to the public, a celebration of spring that is here and summer that is to come. The Cyclone is an historical structure, not to mention one of the much loved attractions in the amusement park. However, that district is a smaller version of its once spectacular self. Many sides, are ‘standing off’ over the decisions of what is to become of the treasured locations of New York history. One man may hold the future of this legendary part of not only the history of Brooklyn and New York but the rest of the United States as well. Mr. Joe Sitt has invested millions of dollars in the reconstruction and redevelopment of Coney Island, the freak shows, roller coasters and the most famous hotels New York, USA has to offer, not only for a night’s accommodation, but for a memory as well.
The city of Brooklyn has been long determined to re-vamp the parks, boardwalks and amusement parks of Coney Island. And the financial backing of Mr. Sitt was welcomed, however his plans for the area are not similar to the residents nor the businesses on the island. Many have become concerned over Sitt’s plans for more ‘freak shows’ and less family fun. Just recently he evicted the Astroland park, a park that many have come to visit on the opening Palm Sunday weekend. The batting cages are gone as well as the miniature golf course and a number of rides that have become a tradition over the many years. Just recently, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus was pushed away, the space being given to one of Sitt’s long time buddies, John Strong. For a freak show. Venice Beach, California had the chance to become a degraded freak show in the mid 1980′s, but careful planning proved successful as Venice is now one of the local hot-spots, still funky-but safe. Cultural affairs should be left to those culturally aware and not to businessmen such as Joe Sitt.
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