Coney Island, June 19, 2006
Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC) Chairman Joshua J. Sirefman announced today that Dick D. Zigun, the founder of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and Artistic Director of Coney Island USA, will join the CIDC Board of Directors. The appointment marks the first amusement-associated individual to join the Board. Zigun will replace Judi Orlando of the Astella Development Corporation who stepped down in March.
"Dick Zigun is an important fixture in the Coney Island amusement world and will make an outstanding board member," said Chairman Sirefman. "As founder of the Coney Island Sideshow, he represents the heart of Coney Island's amusement community. His knowledge of the history and tradition of the American sideshow complements his passion and countless years of service to the area. Judi Orlando contributed immensely to CIDC's activities over the past two years, and her skill and expertise will be surely missed, but I could think of no better person to replace her on the Board than the unofficial Mayor of Coney Island."
Zigun started the Coney Island Circus Sideshow in 1983. He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Known to many as the Mayor of Coney Island, he is an authority on amusement parks, American popular theater and the history and tradition of the American sideshow. Zigun has lectured at many area colleges and museums, including Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Museum for the City of New York, the Tenement Museum, Brooklyn Historical Society, NY Historical Society, New Dramatists, The New School of Social Research and CW Post. In addition to the Sideshow, Zigun and Coney Island USA also produce the Mermaid Parade, host the Coney Island Film Festival and operate the popular Coney Island Sideshow School.
"A close working relationship between the community and CIDC is the best hope in decades for Coney Island reclaiming its glory as The World's Playground" said Dick Zigun. "The city's strategic plan will become the blueprint for making a legendary New York neighborhood proud again. It will be a privilege to be the voice of the arts and the amusement industry on the CIDC Board".
Zigun will join CIDC as it continues to implement the Coney Island Strategic Plan. Announced in September 2005, the Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for Coney Island's development into a year-round entertainment district with a strengthened residential community. Most recently, the City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) jointly issued a Request of Proposals for a significant parcel of vacant City-owned land in Coney Island for development of a community center and more than 150 units of affordable housing.
About CIDC
Coney Island Development Corporation was established by Mayor Bloomberg with a mandate to create a comprehensive, viable plan to promote a more diversified business community and better employment opportunities. It consists of 13 members appointed by the Mayor, City Council and the Borough President. Each is serving a two-year term.
