Nate Bliss Talks Year Round Coney

Reporting NY excerpt

Making Coney Island a destination again especially beyond the summer months is a goal of developers.

“We are trying to make the area a year round attraction,” said Nathan Bliss of the Coney Island Development Council. “The old Beer Garden will become a ’higher end’ restaurant but emphasizing that it won’t be high end per se.” He also noted that many restaurants are being developed along the boardwalk and in theSteeplechase Plaza around the former parachute jump.

Residents, visitors and employees of local businesses express a common interest in the dining of Coney Island, or lack thereof.

“There is no restaurant scene here. I pack my lunch every day because anything aside from a deli sandwich or a Chinese food platter is too far to order, “ said pharmacy owner Arie Bolshem. “You can only eat that for so long. What is here is mediocre at best. The Chinese place next door (former Oriental Palace) closed because of continuous robbery. The owner’s son had been beaten for the end of the day cash deposit.” His employees agree.

Michelle Palkin, resident of Luna Park building complex on West 8th Street, said it’s about time someone stepped up and made something of the waterfront.

“I would like for there to be some real seafood restaurants. I’ve lived in this are for so long and the only thing I’ve tried is Nathan’s, on which note, I hate fast food,” Palkin said. “That’s all that comes to mind, hot dogs, cotton candy, soft-serve ice cream, pizza and 3-foot-long piña coladas. I’m not interested.”

Their hopes are closer to reality than they think. Dining development is not really being publicized that much but it is definitely on its way. If you walk down the boardwalk or Surf and Mermaid Avenues it is clear to see the changes. The construction workers are open about the fact that they are working on properties set to mostly be restaurants and some retail.

http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/jrn3510s12h/2012/05/09/redevelopment-draws-people-to-coney-island/