Even as Mother Nature threw hurricanes and earthquakes at the city this summer, dampening spirits on Governors Island, it did not stop revelers from flocking to the new Coney Island, setting attendance records for the second year in a row.
It is more good news for Sodom by the Sea—everybody’s favorite shops are still there, and the much-maligned concretewalk may not be happening after all. Last year saw more than 400,000 visitors through the turnstiles at the new Luna Park, and this year, with more coasters and thrills, brought 640,000 revelers through the turnstiles, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today.
“Through the City’s Coney Island Revitalization Plan, we’ve brought Coney back as an amusement destination for visitors from around the city and world,” the mayor said in a release. “The rides are bigger and better than ever, and that means more jobs for New Yorkers and more economic activity for New York City. Coney Island is well on its way to becoming a year-round destination as well as an even better place to live and work.”
The new park has created about 400 jobs, as well, though with the economy stalled, it seems it could be a few more years before any of the huge new condos or thrill rides become a part of the amusement park.
