New York’s Ari Kagan fights to save Coney Island boardwalk

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A new member of the city council who will soon represent Coney Island has said he will oppose Mayor de Blasio’s plan to build a plastic boardwalk in the heart of the neighborhood’s legendary entertainment district.

Ari Kagan, a Brooklyn Democrat replacing Mark Treyger on limited terms in January, said on Friday he fully supports the city’s desire to renovate the 2.7-mile long Riegelmann Parkway from Coney Island to Brighton Beach.

But as the city wants to replace the boardwalk’s existing hardwood with plastic planks and concrete, Kagan said he believes hardwood should be spared along a famous stretch of about five blocks. houses passing by Luna Park, the iconic Cyclone roller coaster and other rides and attractions.

“We have to do everything we can to maintain the historic character of the boardwalk,” Kagan said.

Kagan wants to preserve the hardwood boardwalk area that covers Luna Park and its famous cyclone roller coaster.
Twitter.com/@AriKagan47

Two weeks ago, the mayor of Blasio announced that the parks department would spend $ 114.5 million on the first phase of a massive reconstruction of the boardwalk, which will be based on recycled plastic planks that are more durable than wood. . The boards of the promenade traditionally come from Brazil.

The city has yet to decide which part of the walkway to target for the first phase.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will ultimately decide the fate of the boardwalk after replacing Blasio’s limited term as mayor in January. Kagan said he hopes to work with Adams on a solution. Adams declined to comment on Friday.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that the Parks Department will spend $ 114.5 million to rebuild the Coney Island boardwalk.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that the Parks Department will spend $ 114.5 million to rebuild the Coney Island boardwalk.
Getty Images / Geraint Rowland

Parks Department spokeswoman Meghan Lalor defended the town’s plan, saying it “has a long-standing policy of reducing the use of tropical hardwoods.”



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