Mayor Adams Vows to Restore and Renew the Iconic Coney Island Shoreline
NEW YORK — The city of New York is making strides with a $1 billion redevelopment plan for the Coney Island shoreline, featuring the restoration of the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk, development of 1,500 new homes, and a comprehensive overhaul of the Abe Stark Sports Center. The announcement, delivered Thursday by Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball, fulfills promises outlined in the 2025 State of the City speech.
“Coney Island is a community where thousands of New Yorkers work hard every day for a brighter future. Life shouldn’t be like a rollercoaster—for that reason, this administration is dedicating $1 billion to refresh America’s playground and create a better Coney Island,” stated Adams. “This investment means 1,500 new homes—including 25 percent affordable units—by the water, and a full restoration of the Riegelmann Boardwalk’s storied legacy. We’re rebuilding infrastructure, enhancing public spaces, and revamping the Abe Stark Sports Center so it can keep serving as a vital hub for fun and recreation. To build the world’s best city for families, we’re investing in both new homes and dynamic public areas—making today’s announcement a historic leap toward tomorrow’s neighborhoods.”
Riegelmann Boardwalk: Preserving Tradition, Enhancing Resilience
The $1 billion investment covers a complete renovation of the 2.7-mile-long Riegelmann Boardwalk, carried out in multiple phases. NYC Parks and NYCEDC will oversee this project, which will boost climate resilience and maintain the landmark’s historic nature. Planned improvements include upgraded restrooms, new lifeguard stations, shaded pavilions, and better streets and sewer systems, as well as more convenient public access points.
“Coney Island is a legendary part of New York that offers a vibrant seaside escape for millions,” said Rodriguez-Rosa. “This significant boardwalk investment strengthens climate resilience so generations to come can safely enjoy it. As climate change intensifies, we are safeguarding our public spaces citywide and investing in what makes them special. By renewing the historic boardwalk and enhancing the Abe Stark Sports Center, we’re making Coney Island safer and more inclusive for families and residents of all ages. I appreciate the support of the Adams administration and our community partners, and am honored to be part of an administration that understands the importance of our public green spaces as vital infrastructure.”
Modernizing Recreation: Abe Stark Sports Center Enhancements
A dedicated $42 million project will upgrade the Abe Stark Sports Center, an important community facility with a well-loved ice rink that first opened in 1970. Updates will improve the skating rink, introduce a new entrance, and enhance signage, further integrating the center into the heart of Coney Island.
“Mayor Adams’ $1 billion pledge to reconstruct the Riegelmann Boardwalk is the kind of forward-thinking commitment Coney Island truly needs—making it more accessible, secure, and resilient for future visitors,” said Kimball. “This aligns with NYCEDC’s ongoing efforts: advancing affordable housing, modernizing infrastructure, and revitalizing the Abe Stark Sports Center. We’re enthusiastic about collaborating with NYC Parks and other city partners to strengthen local businesses, enrich the neighborhood, and keep Coney Island a vibrant destination all year.”
Advancing Affordable Housing and Community Growth
The Coney Island redevelopment is a major step in the city’s affordable housing mission. One initiative in Coney Island West will convert an 80,000-square-foot city lot into more than 500 mixed-income apartments, 25 percent of which are set aside as affordable. Plans also call for new retail on the ground floor, additional structured parking, and area-wide flood mitigation.
Since Mayor Adams took office, New York City has achieved historic milestones in housing—creating, preserving, or planning over 433,250 homes including record numbers of permanently affordable options. In December 2024, the city adopted the “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” initiative, expected to yield 80,000 more homes and $5 billion in infrastructure over the next 15 years.
The “City of Yes for Families” plan, announced in the 2025 State of the City address, furthers these goals by focusing on family-friendly neighborhoods, expanding paths to homeownership, and blending housing with schools, parks, essential retail, libraries, and transit. Enhanced tenant protections have also been introduced citywide through programs like “Partners in Preservation” and the Homeowner Help Desk.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Coney Island
This $1 billion overhaul is part of a larger effort to shield, celebrate, and upgrade Coney Island for the benefit of both residents and tourists. With improvements to historic icons, recreation centers, affordable housing, and vital infrastructure, city officials say these projects will keep Coney Island inviting, energetic, and accessible for many generations.
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