Coney Island, October 22, 2007
Coney Island Development Corporation (CIDC) Chairman Joshua J. Sirefman announced today that Carl Hum, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, has joined the CIDC Board of Directors. CIDC was formed in September 2003 to create a coordinated economic development strategy for the area. CIDC released the Coney Island Strategic Plan, a roadmap for the redevelopment and revitalization of Coney Island, in 2005. The Strategic Plan calls for an expanded and improved amusement district and a strengthened residential community. Hum joins the 12 other CIDC Board Members, replacing Kenneth Adams who has taken a leadership position at the New York State Business Council.
“Carl’s years of experience in city and local government and his background of assisting businesses will be invaluable as we move forward with the implementation of the Strategic Plan,” said CIDC Chair Sirefman. “The transformation of Coney Island into a year-round entertainment district that will once again attract visitors from New York and around the world will require the participation of many different people, and Carl’s particular talents will be a significant addition to the CIDC team.”
“It’s an honor to be named to the Board of Directors of Coney Island Development Corporation. Coney Island is poised to be the next great cultural attraction for New York City,” said Carl Hum. “This is an opportunity to solidify Coney Island’s incredible past by securing its future. Supporting area businesses in thoughtful ways and finding new and exciting ways to boost economic development in Coney Island are the keys to ensuring that not only Brooklyn, but New York City, prospers. I’m happy to bring the thoughts and contributions of the Borough’s business community to the table.”
Carl Hum joined the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, a business assistance organization established in 1918 to promote commerce and economic development in Brooklyn, in September 2007. Prior to that, he was appointed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses. During his three-year tenure, the Office created 16 Industrial Business Zones, developed industry-specific tax credits and incentives, and administered the City’s 11 Empire Zones to offer a variety of tax credits to spur business and job development. He has also served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County and a financial analyst at the New York City Council.
A graduate of the New York City public school system, Hum grew up in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He earned a B.A. degree from Wesleyan University, and J.D. from Fordham University School of Law where he was a Louis Stein Scholar for Public Interest and Ethics.
Since the Coney Island Strategic Plan was released, the City has achieved a number of milestones, including:
- Selected Coney Island Commons LLC to develop 152 units of affordable housing and a 40,000-square-foot community center to be operated by the YMCA of Greater New York in western Coney Island;
- Acquired the historic B&B Carousell and issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a restoration specialist to return the 50-horse carousel to its former grandeur;
- With the support of the Borough President, refurbished and relighted the iconic Parachute Jump;
- Issued an RFP for a consultant to design Steeplechase Plaza, which will feature a performance green and space for potential activities such as a park or water feature. The inviting new public space will also become home to the restored B&B Carousell. Selection of a consultant for the project will be made in the near future.
The City is also finalizing designs for various infrastructure improvements including attractive streetscapes, new open spaces, and improved parking and transportation solutions. A rezoning package to guide future development in Coney Island is under development and will be unveiled soon.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.
