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Coney Island’s beloved boardwalk, the Riegelmann Boardwalk, is about to get the full-on makeover New Yorkers have waited decades for. After years of patchwork repairs, storm damage and simmering frustration from locals, the city has secured roughly $1 billion to rebuild the nearly three-mile-long stretch. Don't expect just a fresh coat of paint or a few new railings: this is likely going to be a bottom-to-top rebuild of a storied New York landmark.
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According to The City, the plan, set to happen in phases, remodels everything: support structures, decking, railings, utilities and adjacent infrastructure. The proposed new boardwalk would stretch to 80 feet wide for much of its length, providing a wider, sturdier promenade that can handle both peak summer foot traffic and everyday bustle. What’s more, accessibility upgrades are part of the deal, meaning there will be better access points and ramps that make the boardwalk easier to navigate for everyone. The plan encompasses renovation of nearby Parks Department buildings, including lifeguard stations and public restrooms.
For longtime Coney Islanders and summer-season visitors alike, this rebuild will ultimately deliver much more than infrastructure. The boardwalk has long served as a summer ritual while simultaneously taking the brunt of the worst of NYC weather, from blizzards to hurricanes to scorching sun. That and constant foot traffic for the last 100 years have taken their toll, so this rebuild aims not only to preserve but also to future-proof. This would be a sturdier, safer boardwalk that can weather storms, rising tides and heavy crowds for decades to come.
Of course, this is New York City: there are still years to go before completion. Though outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and Council Member Justin Brannan secured the funding, there are still no official design plans, according to The City. That money extends through 2032, so don't expect a sooner-than-expected completion. Still, if all goes well, in 10 years there will be a gleaming, renovated boardwalk worthy of its legendary summer reputation, welcoming new generations of New Yorkers and tourists.
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