BREAKING: Mayor Zohran Mamdani has just announced the establishment of the Coney Island Business Improvement District (BID), a transformative initiative with a budget of $1 million. This urgent investment aims to revitalize the iconic neighborhood, enhancing local small businesses and addressing significant community needs.
During a press conference held on February 15, 2025, Mamdani emphasized the critical need for investment in Coney Island, stating, “For far too long, the city and state have failed to invest in Coney Island in a meaningful way.” His remarks underscore the urgent situation in a neighborhood still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy and grappling with a high poverty rate of 26.3%, significantly above the city’s average of 18.2%.
The newly established BID will focus on a range of improvements, including “sanitation and beautification efforts,” enhanced marketing materials, increased greenery, and cleaning of communal spaces. This initiative not only aims to uplift the local economy but also to provide much-needed services that extend beyond the typical offerings from the city.
Mayor Mamdani was joined by Coney Island Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, who expressed her enthusiasm for the BID’s potential impact. She remarked, “Despite being one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods, a sad history of government neglect has made Coney Islanders accustomed to fighting for basic services that the rest of the city takes for granted. That ends today.”
The BID will be managed by not-for-profit organizations, with board members consisting of property owners, merchants, residents, and local elected officials. Funding will come from fees applied to property owners within the BID area, alongside philanthropic contributions and grants.
IMPACT: This development is expected to significantly enhance the local business landscape, benefiting both the vibrant shops that cater to tourists and the essential services that support the resident community. Mamdani is also pushing for a reduction in fees and fines for small businesses within six months, aiming to transform the economic environment for working Coney Islanders.
Local business leader Dennis Vourderis, co-owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, expressed optimism about the BID, stating, “I look forward to all the benefits it’ll bring, not just to the amusement district, but also to Mermaid Avenue, which it richly deserves.”
Pamela Pettyjohn, founder of the Coney Island Beautification Project, hailed the BID as a “historic” opportunity, emphasizing the importance of sustained beautification efforts for the area.
As Mamdani’s administration continues its focus on affordability initiatives, including proposals to freeze rent on stabilized apartments and eliminate bus fares, the establishment of the BID marks a significant step forward in his broader agenda for change in New York City.
WHAT’S NEXT: Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the BID’s implementation and its impact on the local economy. Residents and business owners alike are hopeful that this initiative will bring tangible improvements to their community, transforming Coney Island into a thriving commercial hub.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Mayor Mamdani’s first 100 days in office and his efforts to fulfill his campaign promises. This is a developing story with implications for over 100,000 residents in Coney Island, and it’s one that could reshape the landscape of this beloved neighborhood.
