The Coney Island that you know and love, um, sans Astroland, is back for one more season. As we mentioned yesterday, John Strong and his freaks will be setting up shop, and The NY Post reports that before the massive overhaul of the area goes down, amusement operators are optimistic they'll draw big crowds (before they build it, they will come?).
This Sunday "parts of what's left of a rapidly dwindling amusement district reopens, including the world-famous landmark Cyclone roller coaster, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and a few boardwalk attractions." Other encores include Lola Staar's roller rink at Child's restaurant, the Siren Music Festival, the Mermaid Parade and the hot dog eating contest. As for the future, the paper reports that "The city, which wants to buy Sitt's 10.5 acres of land and redevelop it as part of the mayor's vision for a new 27-acre amusement district, announced Wednesday that it has returned to the bargaining table with a new offer of $105 million." The Brooklyn Paper notes that he would "then spend at least another $100 million more of your money on a fantasy vision of the former People’s Playground."
