Updated 11/02/2010 09:54 AM
NY1 Exclusive: Only Two Coney Island Concession Stands Granted Lease Extensions
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The Coney Island boardwalk will be getting a new look after the leases were not renewed Monday for many concession stands that have been there for decades. NY1’s Jeanine Ramirez has the details – including an exclusive look at what's on the way – in the following report. Not only did the Halloween weekend end Coney Island's season. It was also the end for most of the businesses on the boardwalk.
Their leases just expired, and on Monday they received notices on whether they get to stay or need to go. Most will soon be gone, like Ruby's Bar and Grill, which has been at its location for more than 70 years.
“We're done. They grew up here. This is their life. They've been here. So it's tough,” said Michael Sarrel, whose family owns Ruby’s Bar and Grill. “That's it.”
Only two of the current tenants will remain. Nathan's hot dogs, which will have a larger presence on the boardwalk, and Lola Star's boutique. Both will be offered long-term leases.
"I had a fabulous 60-page proposal that included a three-dimensional Lola Starr statue rotating on a disco ball above sparking circus lights which said Lola Starr Souvenir Boutique, as one of the things in my plan,” said Dianna Carlin, the store’s owner.
In a bid to keep their operations, all 11 boardwalk concessions submitted business plans to their new landlord – Valerio Ferrari, the president of Luna Park. Ferrari and his management team have a grand vision for the boardwalk. Preliminary designs for next season feature a welcome arch. Ferrari says the goal is to make the boardwalk a premier attraction with more food variety and free WiFi, among other amenities.
"We're going to try to bring businesses here that are going to be open year round," said Ferrari. "The main anchor that we are trying to feature is going to be a sit-down restaurant with an ocean view, open 365 days a year, able to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also a very large sports bar."The space between the two buildings, where the Shoot The Freak game has been operating, will become the entrance to a new amusement park called Scream Zone. And while the new rides will draw the crowds, businesses like Paul's Daughter, which has been in operation since 1962, will not be around to reap the benefits.
"This is the real Coney island. And it's a shame. This is a sad day,” said Coney Island historian Charles Denson.
Businesses who lost their lease have been given 15 days to pack up and leave.