NEW YORK, June 21 (UPI) -- New York's Coney Island, a 100-year-old amusement park famous for hot dogs and roller coasters, is being renovated amid fears change will spoil the landmark.
A $280 million subway terminal with a solar-paneled roof is under construction and new public bathrooms and wooden gazebos line the 81-year-old boardwalk, just a few of the renovations outlined in a new strategic plan being overseen by accountants Ernst & Young and designers David, Brody & Bond, the Christian Science Monitor reported Monday.
The new plan calls for a sports complex and enclosed water park, and ousting some old fixtures, such as vendors who sell used goods beneath the boardwalk.
"They are beautifying Coney Island, and we aren't beautiful," said Daryl Parrett, a Coney Island native who has sold used wares at a flea market under the tracks for 15 years. "They are pouring millions into this area right now. It may be good for big business but not for the community."
