The Riegelmann Boardwalk stretches along the Coney Island waterfront, where the city has announced a $1 billion plan for a complete reconstruction of the nearly century-old landmark after years of storm damage and delayed repairs. Photo by Susan De Vries
The iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is ready for a complete, end-to-end rebuild after the city secured $1 billion to reconstruct the 3-mile Coney Island span, according to a New York City Parks Department presentation shared with Brooklyn Paper.
The project, described as a complete reconstruction “from posts to top,” will replace the nearly century-old structure’s support system, flooring and utilities, while modernizing access points and several adjacent Parks Department buildings. NYC Parks will collaborate with the city’s Economic Development Corporation on design and construction.
According to the presentation, the funding was secured by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and Selectman Justin Brannan.
Images in the presentation show a boardwalk rebuilt to modern standards, with a consistent width of approximately 80 feet along most of its stretch from West 37th Street to Brighton 15th Street. The plans call for continued replacement of poles, floor coverings and subsurface infrastructure – a long overdue overhaul after years of storm-related damage and expensive patchwork repairs.
NYC Parks previously completed a pre-design study to define the project’s technical requirements and outline the scope of work. Design timelines have not yet been released and construction is still years away, with funding already allocated 2032.
Brannan, who confirmed the plans, said the project marks a turning point for Coney Island.
“For generations, Coney Island has seen its fair share of snake oil salesmen who promise us the moon but deliver dust. I’ve spent a lot of time cleaning up the shards of broken promises they’ve left behind,” he said. “But the time for wringing hands, arguing, wishing on a false star and kicking the can down the road is over. It’s time to get this done. I thank Mayor Adams for his cooperation on this – we’ve worked very hard to get here.”
Brannan added that the project reflects a long-term commitment to the neighborhood.
“This is the legacy project that Coney Island deserves and the community will be involved every step of the way,” he said. “But the most important part – the financing – has been secured.”
The Riegelmann Boardwalk – officially designated a Scenic Landmark in 2018 – is one of Brooklyn’s most visited public spaces, serving millions of New Yorkers and tourists every year. It celebrated its 100th anniversary amid renewed calls for redevelopment following the lack of a formal centenary celebration.
The Parks Department said a formal announcement about the development plans will be released Friday morning. The agency pointed to a September mayoral statement in which Mayor Eric Adams revealed a figure of $93 billion Capital Commitment Plan aimed at “lifting working-class New Yorkers, promoting health and safety, and encouraging the production of affordable housing,” which includes rebuilding Coney Island.
“This plan makes smart and forward-looking investments in the capital and infrastructure projects that will build our future,” Adams said. “We don’t have time to wait to provide the real help New York City needs.”
Jeff Sanoff, chairman of Brooklyn’s Community Board 13, told Brooklyn Paper that while the process will be long, he “looks forward to the future.”
“I would also like to thank Commissioner Marty Maher for championing this multibillion-dollar project for an iconic New York City landmark, especially the Coney Island and Brighton Beach neighborhoods where this landmark is located,” Sanoff said.
Editor’s note: A version of this story originally appeared in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.
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