The 2.7-mile stretch of the beloved boardwalk opened to the public on May 15, 1923
The Riegelmann Boardwalk at Coney Island was officially designated New York City's eleventh scenic landmark on Tuesday morning, capping a years long effort by local residents and elected officials to officially recognize the cultural icon that is synonymous with visiting Coney Island.
The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to designate the 2.7-mile stretch of the boardwalk, located between West 37th Street to Brighton 15th Street.
"The Coney Island Boardwalk is as much a part of the culture as it is a part of the history of New York City," said outgoing LPC Commissioner, Meenakshi Srinivasan, in a statement. "It is a beloved public space that embodies Coney Island's democratic spirit and reflects our City's values of tolerance, inclusivity and equity."
City Council member Mark Treyger had been pushing to landmark the boardwalk since at least 2014, and his efforts finally paid off today. He celebrated the achievement on Twitter.
Proud and excited to say that our community's long push to secure landmark status for the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk took a huge step forward today as @nyclandmarks unanimously voted in favor of landmark designation. The process now moves to the City Council.
— Mark Treyger (@MarkTreyger718) May 15, 2018
The designation today also marked the Boardwalk's 95th anniversary—it officially opened May 15, 1923, and has since become one of the best known waterfront promenades in the world. Since it's opening, sections of the boardwalk have changed either due to wear and tear or in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The city began work in earnest in 2009, and replaced some sections with concrete, and a few others with recycled plastic lumber that has a concrete base.
Other changes may be necessary in the future, which had preservationists concerned about the boardwalk's integrity. At a public hearing in April, some LPC Commissioners expressed concerns about how the Commission can only play an advisory role on future changes to the boardwalk—scenic landmarks officially fall under the jurisdiction of The Public Design Commission.
Srinivasan, the chair of the Commission, tried to allay some of those concerns on Tuesday saying that while the boardwalk had changed, its social and cultural significance had still remained vital to the city.
"Over the years it has adapted itself and been both resilient physically and in our minds," she said.
For now, people are just happy rejoicing in this milestone designation.
"The same wooden walkway that inspired artists as diverse as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Beyoncé still inspires millions of people who enjoy its unique character," said Eric Adams, the Brooklyn Borough President, in a statement. "By designating the Riegelmann Boardwalk as a scenic landmark, the Landmarks Preservation Commission is protecting for future generations an institution that defines Brooklyn as a destination unlike anywhere else in the world."
No comments:
Post a Comment