Noticably missing from the debate: Thor Equities developer Joseph Sitt, whose controversial plan to soon raze and reconstruct the Brooklyn beach community's amusement district includes a proposed rezoning to allow high-rise luxury condos along the boardwalk.

"The panel organizers offered the one developer slot to Taconic," explained MAS spokesman Brian Connolly, referring to Taconic Investment Partners, which itself is planning a slew of residential development around, but not inside, the carnival-ride and arcade zone.

Details on the Sitt-less event below:

TRANSFORMATION OF CONEY ISLAND

IS SUBJECT OF UPCOMING PROGRAM

Coney Island is changing — fast. A private real estate developer has announced a $2 billion plan to remake the celebrated neighborhood and finance it with the construction and sale of luxury condominiums. The Municipal Art Society and Coney Island USA are jointly hosting a panel discussion next week to explore Coney Island’s history and significance, and to review the scope of redevelopment plans and consider the potential impacts.

Coney Island On the Cusp of Change will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 457 Madison Avenue at East 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street; E, V to Fifth/53rd; B, D, F to Rockefeller Center. The program is free and open to the public and news media. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged. RSVP to rsvp@mas.org or 212-935-2075.

Panelists will include:

Lynn Kelly, president of the Coney Island Development Corporation
Dan Pisark, president of the Coney Island History Project
John Krawchuk, director of historic preservation at the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation
Aaron Beebe of Coney Island USA
Ari Shalam of Taconic Investment Partners
Stuart Pertz, a former city planning commissioner, will act as moderator

The Municipal Art Society of New York is a private, non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote a more livable city. Since 1893, the MAS has worked to enrich the culture, neighborhoods and physical design of New York City. It advocates for excellence in urban design and planning, contemporary architecture, historic preservation and public art.

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