Final Hearing Today on Controversial Makeover of Coney Boardwalk

March 12, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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NEW YORK (AP) — A hearing is set to take place on the plan to replace Coney Island’s wooden boardwalk with a combination of plastic and concrete.

The city’s Public Design Commission will meet Monday to discuss the proposal from the city Parks Department. Its approval is the last step needed to move forward with the new boardwalk.

Some preservationists oppose the planned makeover for stretches of the aging, 2.7-mile boardwalk.

Rob Burstein of the Coney-Brighton Boardwalk Alliance tells The Wall Street Journal that replacing the wooden boardwalk with concrete and plastic will detract from favorite activities such as running and dance parties.

But city officials say the plastic composite lasts longer than wood and is cheaper.

The boardwalk has drawn visitors since 1923.