March 26, 2007
BOARDWALKING THE PLANK
I recommend that next weekend you get on the F train heading out of or away from Manhattan, towards Brooklyn and the line's terminus: Coney Island. It's not just a Sunday, it's April Fools' Day; and there is no better place for careless fun than Coney Island's boardwalk. Unfortunately, April 1st marks the beginning of the end for Astroland, the boardwalk amusement park that's been around for 40 years and that has served as an anchor to Coney Island's much longer history as an amusement destination.
The owner of Astroland, Carol Hill Albert, who also owns the Cyclone roller coaster, sold the site to Thor in the fall for $30 million, property records indicate, a deal she said she was reluctant to make. "I couldn't risk going out of business," she said, contending that years of anticipated construction on Thor's property presented a large obstacle.
Ms. Albert, whose family has owned Astroland for all 40 years of its existence, said there were too many bureaucratic obstacles to year-round amusements on her site. "I think Joe Sitt has been taking all the city's attention and energy," she said.
Suffice it to say that Thor Equities has its sights set more on condos than corndogs and cotton candy. If you've never been to Coney Island, this summer is the time for you to make a trip. It's one of those places that you'll be able to imagine or remember years from now, but that you can actually experience for the last time right now.
Posted by Lexiphane at March 26, 2007 2:09 PM
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