History of Coney Island in Timeline
Coney Island is a peninsular neighborhood and entertainment area in southwestern Brooklyn, New York City. It is bordered by Brighton Beach, Lower New York Bay, and Gravesend, and includes the subsection of Sea Gate. The broader Coney Island peninsula encompasses Coney Island proper, Brighton Beach, and Manhattan Beach. Originally the westernmost of the Outer Barrier islands, landfill connected it to Long Island in the early 20th century.
1901: Opening of Coney Island library branch
The Brooklyn Public Library's Coney Island branch opened in 1901 as an unmanned deposit station.
1902: Sea Lion Park Closes
Sea Lion Park, the first amusement park to charge entry fees, closed in 1902 after operating for seven years. Its closure prompted the development of other amusement parks, such as Steeplechase Park.
1903: Luna Park Opening
In 1903, Luna Park, one of Coney Island's major amusement parks, opened, becoming a significant part of the area's entertainment landscape until its closure in 1944.
1903: Luna Park Opens
Luna Park opened in 1903 on the former site of Sea Lion Park. It featured a variety of attractions, exotic landscaping, and electric lighting, with its main attraction being "A Trip to the Moon".
1904: Dreamland Opening
In 1904, Dreamland, another major amusement park, opened in Coney Island, offering unique attractions until its closure in 1911.
1906: B&B Carousell Construction
Circa 1906, the B&B Carousell, Coney Island's last traditional carousel, was constructed. This historic ride featured a traditional roll-operated fairground organ and became a cherished part of the amusement area.
1907: Steeplechase Park Fire
A fire in 1907 destroyed Steeplechase Park, leading to its complete reconstruction.
1909: B&B Carousell Completion
By 1909, the construction of the B&B Carousell was completed, making it a prominent attraction in Coney Island's amusement scene.
1909: Horse Racing Outlawed
Horse racing was outlawed in New York State in 1909, impacting the original resorts in Coney Island but not the amusement areas.
1911: Relocation and staffing of Coney Island library
In 1911, the Coney Island library branch moved to the former Coney Island Times offices and became fully staffed.
1911: Dreamland Closure
In 1911, Dreamland, one of Coney Island's major amusement parks, closed, having operated for seven years.
1911: Dreamland Fire
Dreamland was destroyed by fire in 1911 and was never rebuilt.
1915: Sea Beach Line Upgrade
The Sea Beach Line was upgraded to a subway line in 1915.
1916: Nathan's Famous Begins
Nathan Handwerker began selling hot dogs for five cents each in Coney Island in 1916, eventually leading to the establishment of the Nathan's Famous hot dog chain.
1917: Construction of Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station begins
In 1917, construction began on the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station, a major elevated rapid transit station intended to replace the former surface-level Culver Depot.
1919: Stillwell Avenue Station Opens
The opening of the Stillwell Avenue station in 1919 marked the beginning of Coney Island's busiest era, with over a million visitors on peak summer days.
1920: Completion of Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station
By 1920, the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station was completed, featuring eight tracks and four platforms, serving as a major transit hub for the D, F,
1920: Wonder Wheel Opening
In 1920, the Wonder Wheel, a unique Ferris wheel with both stationary and rocking cars, opened at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island. This iconic ride has become a staple of the amusement park.
1920: Wonder Wheel Opens
The Wonder Wheel opened in Coney Island in 1920.
1921: Comet Coaster Construction
In 1921, the Comet roller coaster was constructed next to what is now the Cyclone's site. This coaster was part of Coney Island's rich history of roller coasters.
1922: Riegelmann Boardwalk Construction Begins
Construction of the Riegelmann Boardwalk began in 1922.
1923: Construction of Childs Restaurant
In 1923, the Childs Restaurant was originally constructed, becoming a significant landmark at Coney Island before being incorporated into the Ford Amphitheater project decades later.
1923: Creation of Riegelmann Boardwalk and Beach
In 1923, the city of New York purchased the land on Coney Island's waterfront, transforming the previously private beaches into public spaces and creating the Riegelmann Boardwalk and Beach.
1923: Riegelmann Boardwalk Opens
The Riegelmann Boardwalk opened in 1923, helping to disperse crowds from Surf Avenue.
1923: Riegelmann Boardwalk Construction Completed
The Riegelmann Boardwalk was completed in 1923, marking the start of regular beach nourishment to maintain Coney Island's beaches.
1924: Coney Island Creek Partially Filled
A portion of Coney Island Creek was filled in 1924, connecting Coney Island to the rest of Brooklyn.
1925: Original Thunderbolt Construction
In 1925, the original Thunderbolt wooden roller coaster was constructed between West 15th and West 16th Streets, adding to Coney Island's array of thrill rides.
1925: Shore Theater Opens
The Shore Theater opened in Coney Island in 1925.
1926: Tornado Coaster Construction
In 1926, the Tornado, a wooden coaster at Coney Island, was constructed, adding to the area's collection of thrilling rides.
1927: Coney Island Cyclone Opening
In 1927, the Coney Island Cyclone, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States, opened. Known for its thrilling 85-foot drop, the Cyclone remains an iconic attraction.
1932: Major Coney Island Fire
A large fire in 1932 left at least a thousand people homeless in Coney Island.
1937: Redevelopment Report Published
Robert Moses published a report in 1937 proposing the redevelopment of Coney Island, including adding parking lots and reconstructing part of the boardwalk.
1939: Parachute Jump Construction
In 1939, the Parachute Jump was constructed for the New York World's Fair, becoming the first ride of its kind and later a fixture at Coney Island.
1941: Parachute Jump Opens
The Parachute Jump opened in Coney Island in 1941.
August 1944: Luna Park Fire
Luna Park was destroyed by a fire in August 1944.
1944: Luna Park Closure
In 1944, Luna Park, a prominent amusement park at Coney Island, closed after four decades of operation, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the area.
1945: Comet Coaster Destruction
In 1945, the Comet roller coaster, located next to the Cyclone's current site, was destroyed, marking the end of its operation.
1946: New Rides Constructed
Two new rides were built in Coney Island in 1946 after World War II, despite material shortages during the war.
1949: Luna Park Land Transferred
The land occupied by Luna Park was transferred to the Parks Department in 1949, following its closure and sale in 1946. This transfer led to the rezoning of the land for residential use.
1953: Approval for New York Aquarium
In 1953, a new building for the New York Aquarium was approved in Coney Island, aiming to rejuvenate the neighborhood.
1953: Moses Rezoning Proposal
In 1953, Moses proposed rezoning most of Coney Island for various uses, claiming it would be an 'upgrade' from existing zones. The plan faced public complaints, leading the Estimate Board to preserve an amusement-only zone between West 22nd and West Eighth Streets, extending inland from the shoreline.
1954: Construction of new library branch
A new library branch was constructed in Coney Island in 1954, enhancing the community's access to resources.
1954: Construction of New York Aquarium
Construction of the New York Aquarium began in 1954, part of efforts to enhance Coney Island's appeal.
1955: Amusement Attractions in Coney Island
By 1955, Coney Island still boasted several children's amusement areas, roller coasters, and attractions like the Wonder Wheel, maintaining its reputation as an amusement destination.
1955: Denial of Boardwalk Extension
In 1955, Moses's proposal to extend the Coney Island boardwalk to Manhattan Beach was denied. Additionally, a proposal to convert a Quonset hut development into permanent housing was rejected, maintaining the area's amusement focus.
1955: Oriental Scenic Railway Demolition
In 1955, the Oriental Scenic Railway, a coaster created by LaMarcus Adna Thompson in 1887, was demolished to make way for a new amusement ride.
1956: Previous Ringling Bros. performance in Coney Island
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus had last performed in Coney Island in 1956 before their 2009 return.
June 1957: Opening of New York Aquarium
In June 1957, the new site for the New York Aquarium opened in Coney Island, marking a significant step in revitalizing the area, which still hosted numerous rides and attractions at the time.
1957: New York Aquarium Opening
In 1957, the New York Aquarium opened on the former site of the Dreamland amusement park in Coney Island, providing a new attraction focused on marine life.
1961: Population Growth in Coney Island
By 1961, Coney Island's residential population was 34,000, with expectations to more than double by the end of 1964 due to new middle-income housing developments.
1962: Astroland Opening
In 1962, Astroland opened at the site of the current Luna Park, providing amusement and entertainment until 2008.
1962: Announcement of Astroland
In 1962, a new amusement park named Astroland was announced for the Coney Island boardwalk, scheduled to open the following year.
1962: Coney Island Creek Further Filled
More of Coney Island Creek was filled in 1962 during the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
1962: Astroland Opening
The year Astroland, later sold to Thor Equities, originally opened was 1962.
1964: Visitor Decline Due to World's Fair
In 1964, Coney Island saw a large decrease in visitors due to the 1964/1965 World's Fair in Queens. Factors such as crime, insufficient parking, and bad weather also contributed to the decline, leading to significant profit losses for concessionaires.
1964: Steeplechase Park Closure
In 1964, Steeplechase Park, one of Coney Island's major amusement parks, closed after operating since 1897. Its closure marked the end of an era for the iconic park.
1964: Closure of Steeplechase Park
In 1964, Steeplechase Park, the last major amusement park in Coney Island, closed permanently after the season. The rides were auctioned off, and the property was sold to developer Fred Trump.
1965: Trump's Luxury Apartment Proposal
In 1965, Fred Trump announced plans to build luxury apartments on the former Steeplechase Park site, amid a surge in residential developments and an increase in Coney Island's population.
1965: Continued Visitor Decline
In 1965, the trend of decreased visitors continued at Coney Island, affected by the ongoing World's Fair and other challenges, impacting ride operators' revenues.
1966: Revitalization Efforts and Demolition of Pavilion
In 1966, developers attempted to revitalize the Coney Island boardwalk's amusement area. Fred Trump demolished the Steeplechase Park's Pavilion of Fun and proposed building a dome with recreational facilities.
1966: Population Surge in Coney Island
By 1966, the population of Coney Island had surged to nearly 100,000, driven by significant residential development and the construction of new housing projects.
January 1968: State Park Proposal for Steeplechase Site
In January 1968, New York City's parks commissioner proposed a state park on the Steeplechase site, leading to city plans to purchase the land from Trump with funding approved by the Board of Estimate.
1969: City Purchase of Steeplechase Site
In 1969, the city began condemnation of the Steeplechase site and ultimately purchased it for $4 million, preventing Trump from developing apartments there.
1975: Cyclone Refurbishment and Reopening
In 1975, the city considered demolishing the Coney Island Cyclone for an aquarium extension. After controversy, Astroland refurbished and reopened the Cyclone for the summer season, amidst ongoing crime and ride deterioration.
1975: HUD Grant and Kaufman's Operation
In 1975, the city faced challenges over a HUD grant for a state park and continued litigation over Norman Kaufman's site, which he operated until 1980.
1977: Tornado Coaster Destruction by Arson
In 1977, the Tornado wooden coaster was destroyed by arson, marking the end of its operation at Coney Island.
1979: Proposal for Casinos at Coney Island
In 1979, Mayor Ed Koch proposed casinos in New York City, including Coney Island, to boost the economy. The idea was supported but controversial, and the state's interest dwindled by 1981.
1980: Opening of Coney Island Museum
In 1980, Coney Island USA opened the Coney Island Museum, showcasing memorabilia that chronicles the neighborhood's rich history.
1980: Parachute Jump NRHP Listing
In 1980, the Parachute Jump was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and ensuring its preservation.
1980: City Purchase of Kaufman's Rides
In June 1980, the city paid Kaufman $1 million for his rides, effectively evicting him, even though the rides were valued at less.
1981: Decline of Gambling Legalization Efforts
By 1981, the New York state legislature failed to act on proposals to legalize gambling, despite earlier interest in revitalizing Coney Island with casinos.
1982: Demolition of Abandoned Bungalows
By 1982, the city demolished abandoned bungalows in Coney Island to combat crime, while planning new residential developments. Former amusement park areas were advertised for redevelopment.
1983: Thunderbolt Closure
In 1983, the original Thunderbolt roller coaster closed, ending its decades-long presence at Coney Island.
1985: Approval of Steeplechase Park Rebuild
In 1985, Horace Bullard proposed rebuilding Steeplechase Park with a $55 million amusement park project. The city approved the plan.
December 1986: New York State Urban Development Corporation Proposal
In December 1986, the New York State Urban Development Corporation proposed a 17,000-seat minor-league baseball stadium and a 15,000-seat indoor arena in Coney Island. Negotiations were held with the Mets and Yankees for support.
1986: Planned Opening of New Amusement Park
By mid-1986, Bullard aimed to open the new amusement park to coincide with the Statue of Liberty's centennial, although delays occurred.
1987: Cost Increase of Steeplechase Project
By early 1987, the proposed cost of rebuilding Steeplechase Park nearly doubled to $100 million, delaying the project further.
1988: Cyclone Landmark Designation
In 1988, the Coney Island Cyclone was designated as a city landmark, recognizing its historical and cultural importance to the amusement park and New York City.
1988: Cyclone Designated as Landmark
In 1988, the Cyclone roller coaster was designated as an official New York City landmark.
1989: Parachute Jump Landmark Designation
In 1989, the Parachute Jump was designated as a city landmark, highlighting its importance to Coney Island's history and culture.
1989: Wonder Wheel Landmark Designation
In 1989, the Wonder Wheel was recognized as a city landmark, highlighting its historical and cultural significance to Coney Island and New York City.
1989: Parachute Jump and Wonder Wheel Designated as Landmarks
Following the Cyclone's landmark designation, the Parachute Jump and the Wonder Wheel were also designated as New York City landmarks in 1989.
1989: Bullard's Amusement Park Plan
By 1989, developer Bullard and the city were prepared to sign a contract for the construction of a 60-ride amusement park on a 25-acre waterfront strip, planned for completion by 2002.
1990: Decline in Commercial Activity
By 1990, commercial activity in Coney Island had significantly declined, with Mermaid Avenue storefronts dropping from 400 to 39 due to urban renewal and persistent crime issues.
1990: Crime rates in 1990
In 1990, the 60th Precinct had much higher crime rates, which decreased significantly by 2022.
1991: Cyclone NRHP Listing
In 1991, the Coney Island Cyclone was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its status as an irreplaceable part of the city's amusement history.
1993: Crime statistics from 1993
In 1993, crime rates in the 60th Precinct were significantly higher compared to 2010, before a notable decrease in major crimes.
1994: Giuliani Negates Bullard Deal
In 1994, Mayor Rudy Giuliani voided the Bullard deal, opting instead to build a minor-league baseball stadium on the proposed Steeplechase Park site.
1996: Completion of Housing Development
A four-phase, 873-unit housing development in Coney Island was completed in 1996.
1997: Ratner's Entertainment Complex Proposal
Developer Bruce Ratner proposed a $100 million entertainment complex in Coney Island in 1997, including a "virtual-reality amusement park" and a multiplex movie theater.
1998: Giuliani Cancels Sportsplex and Entertainment Complex
Mayor Giuliani canceled plans for Sportsplex and the entertainment complex in 1998, proposing instead to construct only the parking lot.
2000: Keyspan Park Approved
The city approved the $31 million Keyspan Park project in 2000, utilizing funds originally earmarked for Sportsplex.
2000: Census data from 2000
In 2000, the combined population of Coney Island and Sea Gate was recorded as 34,267, based on the United States Census.
2000: Thunderbolt Demolition
In 2000, the original Thunderbolt roller coaster was torn down during the construction of Keyspan Park, marking the end of its historical run.
2000: Math achievement in 2000
In 2000, 53% of Coney Island students excelled in math, marking the beginning of an upward trend in math achievement.
2001: Maimonides Park Opens
In 2001, Maimonides Park, a new venue, opened in Coney Island as part of revitalization efforts.
2001: Opening of KeySpan Park
In 2001, the site of the former Steeplechase Park was transformed into KeySpan Park, which became the new home for the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team.
2001: Rebuilding of Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station starts
The Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station underwent a significant rebuilding process starting in 2001, aiming to modernize the facility and improve transit services.
2002: Projected Completion of Bullard's Amusement Park
The target year set for completion of Bullard's proposed 60-ride amusement park on Coney Island's waterfront was 2002.
2003: Bloomberg's Coney Island Revitalization Interest
In 2003, Mayor Michael Bloomberg showed interest in revitalizing Coney Island as a potential venue for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2004: Rebuilding of Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station completed
In 2004, the rebuilding of the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station was completed, enhancing its role as one of the largest elevated rapid transit stations in the world.
2004: Founding of Coney Island History Project
In 2004, the Coney Island History Project was founded, establishing a space near the Wonder Wheel to celebrate and preserve the area's history.
2004: Coney Island History Project Initiation
In 2004, the Coney Island History Project was founded to collect and share stories from longtime residents of Coney Island. The project conducts interviews in multiple languages, preserving the area's rich history through oral accounts.
September 2005: Sitt Unveils Hotel Resort Plans
Joe Sitt, founder of Thor Equities, unveiled plans for a Bellagio-style hotel resort with a timeshare, surrounded by amusement rides, in September 2005.
2005: Stillwell Avenue Subway Station Refurbishment Completed
The refurbishment of the Stillwell Avenue subway station in Coney Island was completed in 2005.
November 2006: Astroland Sold to Thor Equities
Astroland was sold to Thor Equities in November 2006.
2006: AVP Volleyball Tournament in Coney Island
In 2006, Coney Island hosted a major national volleyball tournament organized by the AVP, featuring a newly built 4,000-seat stadium and twelve outer courts near the boardwalk.
2006: Assessment of Coney Island's elementary schools
In 2006, The New York Times highlighted that Coney Island's elementary schools were varied in performance, with only some exceeding citywide testing averages.
2006: Zipper and Spider Closed
The Zipper and Spider rides on West 12th Street were permanently closed and dismantled in 2006.
2007: DCP Rezoning Plan
In 2007, the Department of City Planning (DCP) began circulating a rezoning plan for 47 acres of Coney Island, aiming to create an amusement park and housing units.
April 2008: Revised Rezoning Proposal
Due to objections, the city revised its rezoning proposal in April 2008, reducing the amusement park area and allowing private development under DCP guidelines.
2008: Astroland Closure
In 2008, Astroland, an amusement park located at the site of the current Luna Park, closed after operating for several decades on Coney Island.
2008: Astroland Closes
Astroland closed down in 2008.
January 2009: DCP Certifies Rezoning Plan
The DCP certified the rezoning plan in January 2009, enabling the creation of a 9.4-acre amusement district.
June 2009: Housing and Affordable Units Approved
The city's planning commission approved the construction of 4,500 housing units, including 900 affordable units, in June 2009.
2009: Dreamland Opens
A new amusement park, Dreamland, opened in 2009, replacing Astroland.
2009: Second Dreamland Season
In 2009, a second Dreamland amusement park operated at the site of the current Luna Park for just one season, briefly reviving the historic name.
2009: Coney Island Boom-A-Ring by Ringling Bros.
In 2009, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returned to Coney Island for the first time since 1956 with a show titled 'The Coney Island Boom-A-Ring,' staged in tents between the boardwalk and Surf Avenue.
2009: Coney Island Rezoning Plan
In 2009, the city of New York expressed its intent to redevelop the site of the Abe Stark Rink, as part of the rezoning plans for Coney Island. This plan faced opposition from residents, who preferred that NYC Parks retain control over the site instead of it being sold to private developers.
2010: Luna Park Opens
Luna Park opened in Coney Island in 2010.
2010: Census Data
The 2010 United States Census recorded approximately 32,000 residents in Coney Island, highlighting the neighborhood's ethnic diversity and a poverty rate of 27%, slightly higher than the city average.
2010: Renaming to MCU Park
In 2010, KeySpan Park was renamed MCU Park as part of an eleven-year naming rights deal with the Municipal Credit Union, the city's largest credit union.
2010: Decrease in major crimes in the 60th Precinct
By 2010, major crimes in the 60th Precinct had decreased by 72% since 1993, with significant reductions in robberies, assaults, and shootings.
2010: Census data reveals population decline
According to the 2010 United States Census, the population of Coney Island and Sea Gate was 31,965, a decrease of 2,302 people or 6.7% from the 2000 census.
April 2011: New Roller Coasters Opened
The first new roller coasters in eighty years were opened in Coney Island in April 2011.
2011: Math achievement improvement
By 2011, the percentage of Coney Island students excelling in math had risen to 72%, though reading achievement slightly declined.
2011: Thor Equities' Projected Completion Date
Thor Equities aimed to complete the Coney Island project by 2011.
2012: Hurricane Sandy Damage
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to Coney Island's amusement parks, the Aquarium, and various businesses. This natural disaster had a substantial impact on the area, prompting recovery efforts in subsequent years.
2012: New York City's Bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics
New York City made a bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, with Coney Island considered as a potential site.
March 24, 2013: Luna Park Reopening
On March 24, 2013, Luna Park at Coney Island reopened as scheduled, following the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This marked the beginning of a recovery period for the amusement area.
2013: B&B Carousell Relocation to Luna Park
In 2013, the B&B Carousell was relocated to Luna Park's Steeplechase Plaza. This move preserved the carousel's legacy while integrating it into the modern amusement park setting.
2013: Rebuilding of Coney Island library post-Hurricane Sandy
In 2013, the Coney Island library branch was rebuilt after suffering damage from Hurricane Sandy, continuing its service to the community.
2013: B&B Carousell Reopens
The restored B&B Carousell reopened at Luna Park in 2013.
March 2014: Thunderbolt Construction Start
In March 2014, construction began on a new Thunderbolt roller coaster at Coney Island. This steel coaster, manufactured by Zamperla, was built at a cost of $10 million and included several exciting features.
June 2014: Thunderbolt Opening
In June 2014, the Thunderbolt roller coaster opened to the public at Coney Island. This modern ride offered thrilling inversions and speeds, adding to the park's diverse attractions.
June 2014: Thunderbolt Roller Coaster Opened
The Thunderbolt steel roller coaster opened in June 2014.
May 2015: Launch of Coney Art Walls
In May 2015, Thor Equities launched the Coney Art Walls project at 3050 Stillwell Avenue, featuring curated public art from over 30 artists, with exhibitions held annually through at least 2019.
2015: AVP Tournament moves to Brooklyn Bridge Park
When AVP tournaments resumed in 2015, they were relocated from Coney Island to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
June 2016: Opening of Ford Amphitheater
In June 2016, the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island opened on the boardwalk, hosting live musical acts and other events. It was constructed on the site of the historic Childs Restaurant.
July 2016: Reopening of Childs Restaurant rooftop
In July 2016, the rooftop section of the Childs Restaurant, part of the Ford Amphitheater construction project, reopened to the public.
2016: Median household income in Community District 13
As of 2016, the median household income in Community District 13 was $39,213.
2016: B&B Carousell NRHP Listing
In 2016, the B&B Carousell was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation as a significant historical and cultural artifact of Coney Island.
2016: Ford Amphitheater Opens
The Ford Amphitheater, a live performance venue, opened on the Coney Island boardwalk in 2016.
2018: Poverty and unemployment rates in Coney Island
In 2018, 24% of Coney Island residents lived in poverty, and the unemployment rate was 11%, higher than the Brooklyn and New York City averages.
2018: Aquarium Expansion Opening
In 2018, a major expansion of the New York Aquarium at Coney Island was completed and opened to the public. This expansion was part of efforts to rebuild and enhance the aquarium following the damage it suffered during Hurricane Sandy.
2018: Health and dietary habits in Coney Island
In 2018, 70% of Coney Island residents rated their health positively, and 92% consumed fruits and vegetables daily, with a higher ratio of bodegas to supermarkets.
2018: Education levels in Coney Island
As of 2018, Coney Island had a similar proportion of college-educated residents compared to the rest of New York City, with 45% having a college degree or higher.
2018: New York Aquarium Exhibits
As of 2018, the New York Aquarium in Coney Island featured five major exhibits, including Aquatheater and Ocean Wonders: Sharks, enhancing its appeal as an educational and entertaining destination.
2018: Health statistics for Coney Island
As of 2018, preterm births and births to teenage mothers were slightly more common in Coney Island than citywide, with a high percentage of residents uninsured or on Medicaid.
2018: Community Health Profile for Community Board 13
As of 2018, NYC Health reported that Community Board 13 had 106,459 inhabitants, with a slightly lower average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared to the citywide median.
2018: Crime rates in Coney Island
As of 2018, Coney Island's violent crime rate and incarceration rate were comparable to the citywide averages, with a non-fatal assault rate of 51 per 100,000 people.
2019: Coney Island Bumper Cars
By 2019, several bumper car rides were operating separately at Coney Island, including attractions in Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and Eldorado Auto Skooter on Surf Avenue, continuing the tradition of such rides in the area.
2019: Continuation of Coney Art Walls exhibitions
By 2019, the Coney Art Walls project continued to showcase public art, maintaining its annual tradition since its inception in 2015.
2019: Announcement of Coney Island ferry route
In 2019, NYC Ferry announced a new ferry route that would serve the western part of Coney Island, expanding transportation options for the area.
2020: Census data on racial demographics
The 2020 census data indicated that Coney Island's population included between 20,000 and 29,999 White residents, 10,000 to 19,999 Black residents, 5,000 to 9,999 Hispanic residents, and fewer than 5,000 Asian residents.
2020: Coney Island During COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in operations at Coney Island's businesses and amusement parks. Many projects were placed on hold, and the parks either operated at a diminished capacity or remained closed for the year.
2020: CIHP Adapts to COVID-19
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coney Island History Project adapted by recording interviews via phone or Skype. This allowed them to continue documenting stories despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
October 2021: Luna Park Expansion Commences
In October 2021, Luna Park's expansion began as part of plans to enhance the amusement offerings at Coney Island. This expansion coincided with broader development efforts in the area, including the construction of over 2,000 new residential units.
2021: End of MCU naming rights deal
In 2021, the naming rights deal with the Municipal Credit Union for MCU Park came to an end after eleven years.
April 2022: Downstate Casino Licenses Announcement
In April 2022, New York state officials announced that they would issue three casino licenses in Downstate New York. This announcement paved the way for proposals, including the one for a casino at Coney Island.
November 2022: Casino Proposal at Coney Island
In November 2022, a proposal was put forward by Sitt to construct a casino at Coney Island. This plan aimed to attract tourists and was part of a broader initiative following New York state's announcement to issue three casino licenses in Downstate New York.
2022: Crime statistics for 2022
In 2022, the 60th Precinct reported significant reductions in crime rates compared to the 1990s, with five murders, 16 rapes, and other crimes documented.
2022: Indefinite delay of the Coney Island ferry route
The implementation of the Coney Island ferry route was indefinitely delayed in 2022, affecting plans to enhance ferry services to the area.
2023: Coney Island Sinking Study
A 2023 study revealed that Coney Island is sinking at a rate of about 2.6 ± 0.8 millimeters per year, primarily due to land reclamation.
2024: Coney Island Rezoning for Casino Use
In early 2024, Brooklyn Community Board 11 voted to allow Coney Island to be rezoned for casino use. Despite approval, the proposed casino faced opposition from some residents who were concerned about its impact.