Reuse of City Icon is Latest Milestone in $83 Million Coney Island Strategic Plan
Coney Island, July 7, 2006
Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC) Chairman Joshua J. Sirefman and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will light the historic Parachute Jump tonight at a ceremony off Surf Ave and West 19th Street in Coney Island. The ceremony will preview six lighting sequences that will illuminate the structure throughout the year. The lighting follows the tower's $5 million structural refurbishment by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and is part of the City's $83 million Coney Island Strategic Plan, which serves as a roadmap for Coney Island's development into a year-round entertainment district with a strengthened residential community. Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, City Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Coney Island USA Todd Robbins and lighting designer Leni Schwendinger will also attend the lighting ceremony.
"Preserving Coney Island's world-renowned character is an important part of our plan to help spur the revival of one of the City's most historic neighborhoods, and what better way to do that than to restore the Parachute Jump, one of Coney Island's most recognizable landmarks," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. "By capitalizing on the area's rich history and unique assets and setting the stage for new development, we will strengthen Coney Island's residential community and enhance it as a year-round destination for travelers from all over the world."
"I am overjoyed to light the Coney Island Parachute Jump as it returns as Brooklyn's Eiffel Tower," said Borough President Marty Markowitz. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many talented people, what was once merely a dream will soon be a shining symbol of this borough's immense pride and dazzling future. From our beaches and the boardwalk to our restaurants and nightlife, the best days for Coney Island and Brooklyn are right in front of us."
The lighting follows tremendous interest and activity in Coney Island and is the latest step in the revitalization of the area. The Mayor unveiled the Coney Island Strategic Plan in September 2005, which calls for enhanced entertainment attractions that take advantage of the area's unique appeal, a new community center for job training and recreational uses, and an increase of year-round activity on Surf Avenue. Since the announcement, the City acquired the historic Bishoff & Brienstein (B&B) Carousell which is being restored and will be returned to Coney Island. In addition, the Metropolitan Transit Authority completed a $240 million renovation of the Stillwell Avenue subway station, and the New York Aquarium is currently undergoing a $45 million master plan and renovation.
"The lighting of the Parachute Jump, a longtime icon of Coney Island, is a terrific symbol of the revitalization underway in the area," said Coney Island Development Corporation Chair and Interim President Joshua Sirefman. "Bringing the Parachute Jump back to life is an important milestone of our plan to make Coney Island a vibrant, year-round entertainment destination with a healthy residential base."
Over 150 lighting fixtures holding 450 LEDs and 17 lamps will be used to light one of six different lighting schemes that reflect the seasons, holidays and lunar cycles throughout the year. The lighting schemes were designed by artist Leni Schwendinger of LightProjects, Ltd. and constructed by engineering firm STV. The Parachute Jump will be illuminated from dusk until midnight May through October, and dusk until 11 p.m. other times.
"Today is a great and proud day for Coney Island as we make continued strides towards its revitalization," said Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. "The lighting of the historic Parachute Jump will serve as a beacon as we move towards Coney Island's bright future."
The 277-foot-tall tower was originally built for the 1939 World's Fair and designated a city landmark in 1988. In September 2002, EDC undertook a $5 million refurbishment of the tower, which included dismantling, structural upgrades and repointing of the tower frame. The tower was also repainted to its original red, yellow and blue colors.
"For generations, Coney Island's Parachute Jump has stood as a beacon of Brooklyn. Now, it will be illuminated so everyone far and wide can admire its beauty and engineering," said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "It has been a pleasure to work with Borough President Marty Markowitz, the City's Economic Development Corporation, artist Leni Schwendinger, and engineering firm STV, to make this vision a reality. This improvement heralds our commitment to transforming Coney Island into a must-visit destination."
Last month, 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.
