The iconic Cyclone roller coaster at Brooklyn’s Coney Island came to an abrupt halt last Thursday due to a mechanical problem, halting operations and putting amusement park visitors in an unexpected predicament. The 97-year-old wooden roller coaster stopped mid-ride, necessitating an evacuation in which several riders were helped off the roller coaster when it stopped during an upward ride.
Luna Park, the largest amusement park in New York City and operator of the Cyclone, reported that the ride was shut down after a damaged sprocket was discovered in the machine room. As a result, riders had to walk along the tracks under supervision. “At Luna Park in Coney Island, safety is our top priority. Thorough testing is conducted daily before Luna Park opens and during the day as needed,” Luna Park officials said. “The Coney Island Cyclone is a 97-year-old roller coaster that is carefully maintained and tested daily.”
Following the incident, the New York City Department of Buildings filed building code violations against Luna Park for failing to adequately maintain the attraction and failing to notify the department in a timely manner about Cyclone’s mechanical problems.
Located just three blocks from a proposed site for a $3 billion casino resort, the Cyclone is currently undergoing repairs. An exact reopening date has not yet been announced. The casino developers, a consortium of Saratoga Casino Holdings, Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions, Legends Hospitality Group and Thor Equities, are looking to revitalize the area with their The Coney project. This planned integrated resort casino is one of 10 expected bidders for the three casino licenses in the southern part of the state that the New York Gaming Facility Location Board expects to award by Dec. 1, 2025.
Once a thriving resort for Manhattanites in the early 20th century, Coney Island has struggled with economic difficulties over the years. Today, the area is perhaps best known for the annual Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Despite several attempts at revitalization, Coney Island remains economically struggling: approximately 25% of households live in poverty and the median household income is $44,800.
Coney Casino proponents believe the venture could revitalize the area, create thousands of full-time jobs and reduce the unemployment rate, which currently stands at about 10%. The consortium has promised to work closely with local businesses, allow rewards members to redeem points at nearby restaurants and shops and invest in infrastructure improvements to reduce congestion. They also plan to work with New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority to create an express subway service and improve ferry service to and from Coney Island.
However, the proposal faced local opposition. Community Board 13, an advisory body on land use and zoning issues within New York City government, officially rejected the casino’s $3 billion investment in May 2023 by a vote of 23-8. Concerns include typical issues associated with gambling developments such as a potential increase in crime, problem gambling and bankruptcies. CB13 Chair Lucy Mujica Diaz also expressed concern that well-paying jobs at the casino could cause some community members to lose their housing assistance and rental vouchers.
