Is wood good? Here’s a chance to make your voice heard on the Boardwalk.
Two elected officials are rallying the community to help save Coney Island’s iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk by getting it declared a scenic landmark.
Councilmen Mark Treyger (D–Coney Island) and Chaim Deutsch (D–Sheepshead Bay) created an online petition to gather support for landmarking the wooden walkway. Scenic landmarks are rare but Treyger said the boardwalk deserves the designation.
“There is no question that the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk is one of the most iconic and beloved structures in our entire city and clearly merits this designation,” Treyger said. “I have already heard from dozens of New Yorkers who are shocked this isn’t already the case and wanted to share their personal stories of what the Boardwalk means to them and their families.”
The 91-year-old Boardwalk is a sprawling, 2.5-mile walkway that stretches from the border of Sea Gate to Brighton 15th Street, but the city wants to replace the hardwood boards with plastic and concrete. Deutsch said that if the Landmark Preservation Commission declares the site a landmark, the Boardwalk can remain as an important city asset.
“The Coney Island Boardwalk is a Brooklyn icon that possesses significant value, attracting visitors since 1923,” Deutsch said. “In an effort to prevent any compromise of the historic design, I urge the Landmark Preservation Commission to grant landmark status to the Boardwalk.”
Several other pols have also voiced support for keeping the boards in the Boardwalk, and the Borough President went so far as comparing it to a sacred spot.
“Millions of visitors have made the pilgrimage to southern Brooklyn, and we want to see millions more enjoy its unique, iconic character in the decades to come,” said Borough President Adams.
Treyger said he hopes residents will raise their voice to save the Boardwalk now, before it is too late.
“This is an important piece of New York City history, and we must act now before it is drastically changed, and lost forever,” said Treyger. “I am asking anyone who has ever visited the Riegelmann Boardwalk or cares about preserving our history to join our effort.”
The petition is online at: http://www.change.org/p/nyc-landmarks-preservation-commission-designate-historic-riegelmann-boardwalk-as-scenic-landmark.
