History of Coney Island in Timeline

Coney Island is a renowned neighborhood and entertainment area in Brooklyn, New York City, encompassing Coney Island proper, Brighton Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Originally an outer barrier island, land fill connected it to Long Island in the early 20th century. Bounded by Brighton Beach, Lower New York Bay, and Gravesend, it includes the Sea Gate subsection. Coney Island is celebrated for its amusement parks, boardwalk, and beach, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

1901: Opening of Coney Island's first library deposit station

In 1901, the Brooklyn Public Library's Coney Island branch opened as an unmanned deposit station.

1902: Closure of Sea Lion Park

In 1902, Sea Lion Park closed. It was the first amusement park to charge entry fees.

1903: Luna Park Opening

In 1903, Luna Park opened on the site of the former Sea Lion Park. It featured various attractions and exotic landscaping lit by electricity, with the flagship ride being A Trip to the Moon, based on Jules Verne's novel From the Earth to the Moon.

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1907: Steeplechase Park Fire

In 1907, a fire at Steeplechase Park resulted in the park having to be completely rebuilt.

1909: Outlawing of Horse Racing

In 1909, the original resorts in Coney Island experienced a decline in patronage after horse racing was outlawed in New York State.

1911: Dreamland Fire

In 1911, Dreamland burned down and was never rebuilt.

1911: Coney Island library becomes fully staffed

In 1911, the Coney Island library moved to the former Coney Island Times offices and became fully staffed.

1915: Sea Beach Line Upgraded to Subway

In 1915, the Sea Beach Line was upgraded to a subway line, followed by other former excursion roads.

1916: Nathan Handwerker Starts Selling Hot Dogs

In 1916, Nathan Handwerker began selling hot dogs at Coney Island for a nickel each, which led to the creation of the Nathan's Famous hot dog chain.

1917: Construction of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station

The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station began construction between 1917 and 1920 as a replacement for the former surface-level Culver Depot.

1919: Opening of the Stillwell Avenue Station

The opening of the Stillwell Avenue station in 1919 ushered in Coney Island's busiest era, attracting over a million people on the busiest summer days.

1920: Wonder Wheel Opening

In 1920, the Wonder Wheel opened, contributing to Coney Island's development as an amusement destination.

1920: Construction of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station

The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station was completed between 1917 and 1920 as a replacement for the former surface-level Culver Depot.

1922: Construction of Riegelmann Boardwalk begins

Construction of Riegelmann Boardwalk started in 1922, initiating the practice of sand redeposition on the beaches via beach nourishment to combat sand loss due to the jetty at Breezy Point, Queens.

1923: Construction of Riegelmann Boardwalk continues

Construction of Riegelmann Boardwalk continued in 1923, continuing the practice of sand redeposition on the beaches via beach nourishment to combat sand loss due to the jetty at Breezy Point, Queens.

1923: Riegelmann Boardwalk Construction

In 1923, the Riegelmann Boardwalk was constructed, which helped to disperse crowds away from Surf Avenue.

1923: City Acquires Waterfront Land and Creates Boardwalk

In 1923, the city bought all the land on the Coney Island waterfront and created the Riegelmann Boardwalk and Beach, making the beaches public.

1924: Filling of Coney Island Creek

By 1924, local landowners and the city had filled a portion of Coney Island Creek, connecting Coney Island to the rest of Brooklyn.

1925: Shore Theater Opening

In 1925, the Shore Theater opened, adding to the attractions at Coney Island.

1932: Large Fire at Coney Island

In 1932, one of the largest conflagrations at Coney Island occurred, leaving at least a thousand people homeless.

1937: Robert Moses's Redevelopment Report

In 1937, New York City parks commissioner Robert Moses published a report proposing the redevelopment of Coney Island, including adding parking lots and reconstructing part of the boardwalk.

1941: Parachute Jump

In 1941, the Parachute Jump was constructed, contributing to the area's quality as an amusement destination.

August 1944: Luna Park Destroyed by Fire

In August 1944, Luna Park was destroyed by a fire.

1946: New Rides Constructed

In 1946, two new rides were constructed at Coney Island at the end of World War II, despite previous delays due to material shortages.

1949: Land Rezoned for Residential Use

In 1949, Robert Moses had Luna Park's land along the Coney Island waterfront transferred to the Parks Department and rezoned for residential use, planning to replace "about a third" of attractions with housing.

1953: Moses Proposes Rezoning

In 1953, Robert Moses proposed rezoning most of the peninsula for various uses, replacing shorefront amusements and concessions with residential developments, though Steeplechase Park would remain open.

1953: New York Aquarium Building Approved

In 1953, construction was approved for a new building for the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.

1954: Construction of new Coney Island library branch

In 1954, another Coney Island library branch was built, and was referred to as "the first-ever library built on stilts over the Atlantic Ocean."

1954: New York Aquarium Construction

In 1954, construction started on the new New York Aquarium, expected to revitalize Coney Island.

1955: Coney Island Attractions

In 1955, Coney Island included four children's amusement areas, five roller coasters, several flat and dark rides, and attractions like the Wonder Wheel.

1955: Proposal to Extend Boardwalk Denied

In 1955, Robert Moses's proposal to extend the Coney Island boardwalk east to Manhattan Beach was denied.

June 1957: New York Aquarium's New Site Opens

The New York Aquarium's new site opened in June 1957, and at this point, there were still several dozen rides in Coney Island.

1957: New York Aquarium Opens

In 1957, the New York Aquarium opened on the former site of the Dreamland amusement park on Surf Avenue.

1961: Coney Island Population

In 1961, the peninsula had 34,000 residents, with an expected doubling of that number by the end of 1964.

1962: Astroland Announced

In 1962, a small amusement park called Astroland was announced for the boardwalk, with plans to open the following year.

1962: More Fill Added during Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Construction

In 1962, more fill was added to Coney Island Creek during the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

1964: Visitor Decrease due to World's Fair

During the summer of 1964, there was a large decrease in the number of visitors to Coney Island primarily because of the 1964/1965 World's Fair. In addition, concessionaires experienced their lowest profits in a quarter-century. Ride operators reported that they had 30% to 90% fewer visitors in 1964 compared to the previous year.

1964: Steeplechase Park Closes

Steeplechase Park, the last remaining large amusement park in Coney Island, closed permanently after the 1964 season. The surrounding blocks were filled with amusement rides and concessions that were closed or about to close.

1965: Visitor Decrease due to World's Fair

During the summer of 1965, there was a large decrease in the number of visitors to Coney Island primarily because of the 1964/1965 World's Fair.

1965: Trump Plans Luxury Apartments

In 1965, developer Fred Trump announced plans to build luxury apartments on the old Steeplechase property.

1966: Population Increase

By 1966, the peninsula housed almost 100,000 people due to new residential developments.

1966: Revitalization Efforts and Trump's Proposal

During 1966, developers tried to revitalize the Coney Island boardwalk as an amusement area. Trump destroyed Steeplechase Park's Pavilion of Fun and proposed building a recreational dome and convention center.

January 1968: State Park Proposal

In January 1968, New York City parks commissioner August Heckscher II proposed that the New York state government build an "open-space" state park on the Steeplechase site.

1969: Condemnation of Steeplechase Park Site

Condemnation of the Steeplechase Park site started in 1969. The city purchased the proposed park's site for $4 million, blocking Trump from developing the site as apartments.

1975: Cyclone Controversy and Reopening

By 1975, the city considered demolishing the Coney Island Cyclone. After controversy and a refurbishment by Astroland, the Cyclone reopened for the summer 1975 season.

1975: HUD Grant Threat

In 1975, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development nearly withdrew a proposed grant of $2 million to fund the proposed state park in Coney Island. The city ultimately accepted the grant, though different city agencies still disagreed over whether to return the funds.

1979: Gambling Legalization Report and Casino Proposal

In 1979, the state announced it would conduct a report on the feasibility of legalizing gambling in New York State. Mayor Ed Koch proposed opening casinos in New York City to revitalize the area's economy. Residents and politicians supported building casinos at Coney Island, feeling it would alleviate poverty, crime, and property vacancy rates. However, there was controversy over the gambling plans.

1980: Coney Island Museum Opens

In 1980, the Coney Island Museum, operated by Coney Island USA, opened to showcase memorabilia that chronicles the history of the neighborhood.

1980: Kaufman Eviction

Norman Kaufman continued to operate his site in Coney Island until the end of summer 1980. The following June, the city paid Kaufman a million dollars for the rides, effectively evicting him, even though the amusements were estimated to be worth much less.

1981: Gambling Legalization Fails

By 1981, the state's interest in legalizing gambling had subsided, and the New York state legislature failed to take action on such proposal regarding Coney Island.

1982: City Advertises for Developers

In 1982, the area in Coney Island was filled with vacant lots, though several residential developments were being planned. The New York City government began advertising for developers to redevelop the former amusement park area that November after acquiring Kaufman's rides.

1985: Steeplechase Park Rebuilding Proposal Approved

In 1985, the city agreed to restaurant mogul Horace Bullard's proposal to rebuild Steeplechase Park, a $55 million amusement park based on the originals, on the site bounded by West 15th and 19th Streets between Surf Avenue and the boardwalk.

December 1986: Baseball Stadium Proposed

In December 1986, the New York State Urban Development Corporation formally proposed a 17,000-seat minor-league baseball stadium north of the boardwalk between West 19th and West 22nd Streets as well as 15,000-seat indoor arena north of the Abe Stark Rink.

1986: Steeplechase Park Opening Delayed

In 1986, the planned opening of the rebuilt Steeplechase Park was delayed while the New York City Planning Commission compiled an environmental impact report. Bullard planned to open the park by mid-1986 to coincide with the Statue of Liberty's centennial.

1987: Steeplechase Park Cost Increase

By early 1987, the cost of the amusement park nearly doubled to $100 million.

1988: Coney Island Cyclone Designated a City Landmark

In 1988, the Coney Island Cyclone, one of the United States' oldest wooden roller coasters still in operation, was designated a city landmark.

1988: Cyclone Designated Landmark

In 1988, the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island was made a New York City designated landmark.

1989: Steeplechase Park Contract Ready

By 1989, Bullard and the city were ready to sign a contract that would allow the developer to construct a 60-ride amusement park on a 25-acre waterfront strip, which would be completed by 2002.

1989: Parachute Jump and Wonder Wheel Designated Landmarks

In 1989, the Parachute Jump and the Wonder Wheel in Coney Island were designated as New York City landmarks.

1989: Parachute Jump Made a City Landmark

In 1989, the Parachute Jump, a defunct ride originally built for the 1939 New York World's Fair, was designated a city landmark.

1989: Wonder Wheel Designated a City Landmark

In 1989, the Wonder Wheel, a steel Ferris wheel with both stationary and rocking cars located at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, was officially designated a city landmark.

1990: Storefront Decline

By 1990, storefronts on Mermaid Avenue had decreased by 90%, from over 400 stores before the urban renewal to 39 stores afterward.

1991: Coney Island Cyclone Listed on the NRHP

In 1991, the Coney Island Cyclone was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

1994: Bullard Deal Negated

After Rudy Giuliani took office as New York City mayor in 1994, he negated the Bullard deal by approving the construction of a minor-league baseball stadium on the site allotted for Steeplechase Park.

1996: Housing Development Completed

In 1996, a four-phase, 873-unit housing development in Coney Island was completed.

1997: Entertainment Complex Proposed

In 1997, developer Bruce Ratner proposed constructing a $100 million entertainment complex between West 9th and West 15th Streets, with a "virtual-reality amusement park" as well as a movie theater multiplex.

1998: Sportsplex and Entertainment Complex Canceled

In 1998, Giuliani canceled Sportsplex and the entertainment complex, and instead unveiled another plan where only the parking lot would be built. The Sports Foundation prepared another proposal that would allow a scaled-down Sportsplex to be built next to the minor-league baseball stadium.

2000: Math achievement rose in Coney Island schools

In 2000, math achievement of Coney Island students was at 53 percent.

2000: Keyspan Park Approved

In 2000, the city approved the $31 million project to construct Keyspan Park using the funds from the canceled Sportsplex.

2000: Demolition of the Original Thunderbolt Coaster

In 2000, the original wooden Thunderbolt coaster, which had been closed since 1983, was torn down during the construction of nearby Keyspan Park.

2001: Maimonides Park Opening

In 2001, Coney Island experienced revitalization with the opening of the venue now known as Maimonides Park.

2001: KeySpan Park Opens

In 2001, KeySpan Park opened on the former site of Steeplechase Park, hosting the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team.

2001: Rebuilding of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station

The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station was rebuilt from 2001 to 2004.

2002: Planned Completion of Steeplechase Park

By 2002, Bullard was expected to have completed construction of a 60-ride amusement park on a 25-acre waterfront strip.

2003: Bloomberg Revitalization Interest and Thor Equities Purchase

In 2003, Mayor Michael Bloomberg took an interest in revitalizing Coney Island as a possible site for the New York City bid of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Shortly before the CIDC's plans were to be publicly released, Thor Equities purchased all of Bullard's western property for $13 million, later selling the property to Taconic Investment Partners for over $90 million.

2004: Coney Island History Project Founded

In 2004, the Coney Island History Project (CIHP) was founded to record, archive, and share oral history interviews about Coney Island from longtime residents in languages such as English, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish.

2004: Rebuilding of the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station

The Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station was rebuilt from 2001 to 2004.

September 2005: Thor Equities Unveils Plans

In September 2005, Thor's founder, Joe Sitt, unveiled his new plans for a large Bellagio-style hotel resort with a timeshare development, surrounded by rides and amusements.

2005: Stillwell Avenue Subway Station Refurbishment Completed

In 2005, the refurbishment of the Stillwell Avenue subway station was completed.

November 2006: Astroland Sold to Thor

Astroland owner Carol Hill Albert sold the site to Thor in November 2006, whose husband's family had owned the park since its 1962 opening.

2006: Elementary school quality in Coney Island

In 2006, David Scharfenberg of The New York Times stated that Coney Island's elementary schools were a mixed lot, with only some exceeding citywide averages on the state's testing regimen.

2006: AVP Tournament Held in Coney Island

Starting in 2006, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) held a major national volleyball tournament in Coney Island, building a 4,000-seat stadium and twelve outer courts for the event.

2006: Zipper and Spider Dismantled

The Zipper and Spider on West 12th Street in Coney Island were closed permanently and dismantled in 2006.

2007: DCP Circulates Rezoning Plan

In 2007, the DCP started circulating a rezoning plan that would cover 47 acres of Coney Island. The city would spend $120 million to redevelop 15 acres into an amusement park surrounded by around 5,000 new housing units. The Aquarium was also planning a renovation in conjunction with the rezoning.

April 2008: Revised Rezoning Proposal

In April 2008, the city revised its rezoning proposal due to objections from land owners, residents, and developers. Only 9 acres would be used as an amusement park, while private owners and developers could build on the rest of the land as long as they followed the DCP's general master plan.

2008: Astroland Closed

Astroland in Coney Island closed in 2008.

January 2009: Rezoning Plan Certified

In January 2009, the DCP certified the rezoning plan, which allowed the city to create a 9.4-acre amusement district in Coney Island.

June 2009: Housing Construction Approved

In June 2009, the city's planning commission approved the construction of 4,500 units of housing, including 900 affordable units, and promised to preserve affordable housing already in the neighborhood in Coney Island.

2009: Second Dreamland Operated

A second Dreamland amusement park operated at the site of the current Luna Park for only the 2009 season.

2009: Abe Stark Rink Redevelopment

As per the 2009 rezoning, the city expressed its intent to demolish the Abe Stark Rink and redevelop the site in Coney Island.

2009: Dreamland Replaced Astroland

In 2009, Dreamland replaced Astroland.

2010: Luna Park Opened

A new Luna Park opened in Coney Island in 2010.

2010: United States Census Data

Based on data from the 2010 United States Census, the combined population of Coney Island and Sea Gate was 31,965, a decrease of 2,302 (6.7%) from the 34,267 counted in 2000.

2010: KeySpan Park Renamed MCU Park

In 2010, KeySpan Park was renamed MCU Park after the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) in an eleven-year naming rights deal.

April 2011: New Roller Coasters Opened

In April 2011, the first new roller coasters to be built at Coney Island in eighty years were opened as part of efforts to reverse the decline of the amusement area.

2011: Thor Equities Project Completion Target

At the time of the rezoning plan certification in January 2009, Thor Equities hoped to complete the project by 2011 in Coney Island.

2011: Math achievement increased, reading achievement declined in Coney Island schools

In 2011, math achievement rose to 72 percent, but reading achievement fell to 55 percent within the same time period.

2012: Hurricane Sandy

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused major damage to the Coney Island amusement parks, the Aquarium, and businesses.

2012: NYC Lost Olympics Bid

In 2012, the City of New York lost its bid to host the Summer Olympics.

March 24, 2013: Luna Park Reopened

Luna Park at Coney Island reopened as scheduled on March 24, 2013, after Hurricane Sandy.

2013: B&B Carousell Relocated to Luna Park's Steeplechase Plaza

In 2013, the B&B Carousell, Coney Island's last traditional carousel, was relocated to Luna Park's Steeplechase Plaza.

2013: Rebuilding of Coney Island library after Hurricane Sandy

In 2013, the Coney Island library branch was rebuilt after being damaged in Hurricane Sandy.

2013: B&B Carousell Reopened

The B&B Carousell reopened in 2013 at Luna Park in Coney Island.

March 2014: Construction Starts on New Thunderbolt Roller Coaster

In March 2014, construction began on the new Thunderbolt, a steel roller coaster manufactured by Zamperla costing $10 million.

June 2014: Thunderbolt Roller Coaster Opens

In June 2014, the new Thunderbolt steel roller coaster opened in Coney Island.

June 2014: Thunderbolt Opened

The Thunderbolt steel roller coaster, named after the original wooden coaster on the site, was opened in June 2014 in Coney Island.

May 2015: Coney Art Walls Unveiled

In May 2015, Thor Equities unveiled Coney Art Walls, a public art wall project curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Joe Sitt, featuring work from over 30 artists.

June 2016: Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Opens

In June 2016, the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island opened on the boardwalk, hosting live musical acts and other events.

July 2016: Childs Restaurant Rooftop Reopens

In July 2016, the rooftop part of the renovated Childs Restaurant reopened at the location of the Ford Amphitheater.

2016: Ford Amphitheater Opened

In 2016, a live performance venue, the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, opened on the boardwalk.

2016: B&B Carousell Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

In 2016, the B&B Carousell, Coney Island's last traditional carousel, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2018: Aquarium Expansion Opened

A major expansion of the aquarium opened in 2018 in Coney Island.

2018: Birth and Health Statistics

As of 2018, in Coney Island, there were 95 preterm births per 1,000 live births (compared to 87 per 1,000 citywide) and 20.2 births to teenage mothers per 1,000 live births (compared to 19.3 per 1,000 citywide), slightly higher than in the median neighborhood. In 2018, the population of uninsured residents was estimated to be 14%, which is higher than the citywide rate of 12%.

2018: New York Aquarium's Exhibits in 2018

As of 2018, the New York Aquarium consisted of five exhibits: Aquatheater; Conservation Hall; Sea Cliffs; Sharks, Rays & Turtles; and Ocean Wonders: Sharks.

2018: Violent Crime Statistics

As of 2018, with a non-fatal assault rate of 51 per 100,000 people, Coney Island's rate of violent crimes per capita is less than that of the city as a whole. The incarceration rate of 168 per 100,000 people is about the same as that of the city as a whole.

2018: Community Board 13 Health Profile

As of NYC Health's 2018 Community Health Profile, Community Board 13 had 106,459 inhabitants with an average life expectancy of 80.4 years, which is lower than the median life expectancy of 81.2 for all New York City neighborhoods.

2018: College education statistics for Coney Island

In 2018, Coney Island had a similar ratio of college-educated residents to the rest of New York City. Approximately 45% of residents age 25 and older had a college education or higher.

2018: Poverty and Employment Data

In 2018, an estimated 24% of Coney Island residents lived in poverty, compared to 21% in all of Brooklyn and 20% in all of New York City, while one in eight residents (11%) were unemployed, compared to 9% in the rest of both Brooklyn and New York City.

2019: Bumper Car Rides Operating in Coney Island

As of 2019, several bumper car rides operated separately in Coney Island, including one in Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and Eldorado Auto Skooter on Surf Avenue.

2019: NYC Ferry announces Coney Island ferry route

In 2019, NYC Ferry announced that the western part of Coney Island would be served by the Coney Island ferry route.

2019: Annual Coney Art Walls Exhibition Held

The Coney Art Walls exhibition, which started in May 2015, continued to be held annually through at least 2019.

2020: Census Data Regarding Race

According to the 2020 census data from New York City Department of City Planning, there were between 20,000 and 29,999 White residents, 10,000 to 19,999 Black residents, 5,000 to 9,999 Hispanic residents, and less than 5000 Asian residents in Coney Island.

2020: Coney Island History Project Oral History Archive

As of 2020, over 370 interviews were available online via the Coney Island History Project Oral History Archive.

2020: 2020 United States Census

As of the 2020 United States Census, Coney Island had approximately 32,000 residents, characterized by ethnic diversity. The neighborhood's poverty rate stood at 27%, slightly higher than the city's overall rate.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

In 2020, many construction projects in Coney Island were placed on hold with the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. The businesses and amusement parks either operated in a sharply reduced capacity or did not open at all.

October 2021: Luna Park Expansion Commenced

Luna Park's expansion in Coney Island commenced in October 2021.

2021: Naming rights deal for MCU Park ends

In 2021, the eleven-year naming rights deal between KeySpan Park (formerly MCU Park) and the Municipal Credit Union came to an end.

2022: Crimes Reported

In 2022, the 60th Precinct reported five murders, 16 rapes, 179 robberies, 373 felony assaults, 159 burglaries, 527 grand larcenies, and 121 grand larcenies auto.

2022: Delay of Coney Island ferry route implementation

In 2022, the implementation of the Coney Island ferry route was delayed indefinitely.

2023: Study on Coney Island Sinking Rate

In 2023, a study found that Coney Island was sinking at a rate of about 2.6 ± 0.8 millimeters (0.102 ± 0.031 in) per year, making it among the fastest-sinking locations in New York City.

2024: Community Board 11 Votes on Casino Rezoning

In early 2024, Brooklyn Community Board 11 voted to allow Coney Island to be rezoned for casino use, despite opposition from some residents regarding the planned casino, referred to as "the Coney".