A Bold New Vision for Coney Island

Photo Courtesy of NYCEDC

City Advancing Coney Island West Redevelopment by Releasing RFP for 500+ Unit Mixed-Income Housing Development

Procurement to Begin for $42 Million Renovation of Abe Stark Sports Center with Release of RFQ for Design-Build Team

The next phase of an ambitious, bold new vision for Coney Island , Brooklyn that will deliver 1,500 new homes and invest in the reconstruction of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk. In addition, the city will invest in new streets, sewers, and public realm improvements, including a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center.

The NYCEDC today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for “Parcel A,” an 80,000-square foot city-owned site located on Surf Avenue between West 21st and West 22nd Streets, west of the iconic Coney Island Amusement District. The future development of Parcel A will bring more than 500 mixed-income homes—25 percent of which will be affordable—and ground-floor retail to the site. The city is seeking developers who share a vision for inclusive, sustainable growth that honors Coney Island’s rich history and contributes to the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization.

To further support the neighborhood’s growth, the city will renovate Abe Stark Sports Center and the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk by enhancing the public realm and building new streets and utilities. The Abe Stark Center renovation will include a new entrance and signage on the boardwalk, improved ice-skating facilities, and other amenities. A Request for Quote (RFQ) has been released for a design-build team to lead the renovation. The boardwalk’s reconstruction will take place in phases and incorporate coastal resilience features, including elevation.

Additionally, the city will advance the development of approximately 1,500 new homes on city-owned sites near the ballpark, boardwalk, and Abe Stark Center, beginning with Parcel A. Development of this area, known as “Coney Island West,” began with the construction of two affordable housing projects — Surf Vets Place and Raven Hall — which opened in 2019 and 2022, respectively. An additional affordable housing project — Luna Green — is currently under construction on the same block and another residential building is in the planning phase. New streets — including Ocean Way and Parachute Way — will accompany development, and ground-floor retail will provide new neighborhood amenities. The result will be a vibrant beachfront district where Coney residents and visitors live, work, and play.

To prepare for extreme weather, the city is actively working to advance a series of shoreline enhancements along Coney Island Creek to protect against rising sea levels and the impacts of climate change. Currently, thanks to a $2.1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, the city is looking to mitigate upland flooding and enhance infrastructure around the creek.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.