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Archive for June, 2010

Thor’s Coney Island: Caution! Asbestos Removal at Doomed Bank

Posted in historic preservation, News, tagged asbestos abatement, Bank of Coney Island, Coney Island, environmental protection, Joe Sitt, Save Coney Island, Shore Hotel, Thor Equities on June 14, 2010| 5 Comments »

What's behind the newly erected tarp atop Bank of Coney Island? Asbestos removal in progress! June 14, 2010

We’re shocked that the City has issued permits to Thor Equities for pre-demolition asbestos abatement during Coney Island’s summer season. Couldn’t Joe Sitt be persuaded to wait till October to get on with his dirty work of demolishing the historic buildings that he owns in Coney Island?

Joey Bulldozer Sitt, who has ZERO rides and attractions on his Stillwell lots this season, contributes ZERO to the Coney Island community. While Coney Island’s stakeholders are busy working to make this summer the best in decades, the only thing Joe Sitt is busy doing is turning the rest of his Coney property into empty lots asap. Too bad New York City is not ancient Athens, where citizens considered dangerous to public welfare were banished!

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The permit from the City’s Department of Environmental Protection is dated June 1, 2010 and runs through January 2011. Is the City monitoring the air around the doomed Bank of Coney Island or leaving it up to Thor’s team to keep us safe from inhaling asbestos fibers and dust? Here’s where we start to be concerned…

Workers have been doing asbestos abatement at the bank building on weeknights for the past two weeks. Last week another Coney Island photographer was threatened by a thuggish worker who made a grab for his camera as he was snapping photos. Did they have something to hide or were they merely camera shy? Today for the first time the crew worked daytime hours. Early this morning some kind of white covering appeared on the rooftop, but caution tape did not materialize on the street until 1 pm. Sounds of heavy machinery in bank. Observers tell ATZ it looked like they were cutting and removing pipes and metal. While some workers wore hazmat-type gear, others were seen working inside the building in street clothes, no hard hats. Around 3 pm, they put garbage bags full of material in the back of a closed unmarked truck.

Uh, do we have to point out that asbestos is considered dangerous? Since there is no known safe level of exposure, all asbestos exposure should be avoided. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos can get mesothelioma. “Workers who deal with this deadly material often carried microscopic asbestos fibers home with them in their clothes and hair, which caused secondary exposure to their families and friends. Over time, these innocent victims can develop mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other fatal conditions.”

NPU ducts protrude from second story of Bank of Coney Island. Photo by Capt Nemo.

See “A Rare Peek Inside Endangered Bank of Coney Island” (ATZ, Oct 9 2009) for a look at a building that is not long for this world. The City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission rejected Save Coney Island’s proposal to landmark the bank building and three other historic buildings. The other three –the Grashorn and Henderson and the Shore Hotel — are probably next on the abatement list. One day last week when we passed by the vacant Shore Hotel, we saw the shuttered first floor open. A man was inside taking notes. Since the Henderson and Bank of Coney were doomed by last year’s rezoning for 30 story hotel towers, it’s doubtful that Save Coney Island’s continuing efforts to save them will succeed. So what’s your hurry, Joe?

UPDATE August 14, 2010:

We’re sorry to report the demolition permit for the bank building was issued yesterday– Friday the 13th. It was no surprise because on Wednesday the sidewalks around the Thor-owned building were being dug up to disconnect sewer and water lines in preparation. How inexpressibly sad to see the potential here and what will be gone forever in a matter of days. Don’t bother calling the DOB to complain either. It’s final! According to the permit: “This job is not subject to the Department’s Development Challenge Process. For any issues, please contact the relevant borough office.” Joe Sitt will soon have another empty lot to add to his collection of empty lots.

UPDATE June 14, 2010:

Soon after our post, we received an email from contributing photographer Bruce Handy with links to his flickr photo set of asbestos removal signs at the Shore Hotel, seen during Save Coney Island’s Historic Walking Tour on June 13. We bet the other two buildings have permits, too. Too bad the DOB doesn’t list these permits on the Bank of Coney’s and Shore Hotel’s pages on the DOB site, where people have been keeping an eye out for news! According to the DEP’s website, the City’s permitting process for asbestos abatement has been moved from the DOB to the DEP’s office in Lefrak City.

Shore Hotel Asbestos Set, June 14, 2010. Photo © Bruce Handy via flickr

Shore Hotel Asbestos Set, June 13, 2010. Photo © Bruce Handy via flickr

Casting Call in Coney Island: Talent Show, Mermaid Parade, Pageants!

Posted in Events, tagged casting call, Coney Island, free event, Mermaid Parade, Miss Coney Island, Mr Cyclone, open call, pageant, talent show on June 10, 2010| 1 Comment »

Calling all contestants! Among the Coney Island 2010 Season’s “first annual” events are the Miss Luna Mermaid Pageant, the Searching for Mr. Cyclone Contest and the Coney Island Talent Show. These brand new competitions join quirky favorites like the Mermaid Parade, Nathan’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, the Miss Coney Island Burlesque Beauty Pageant, the Coney Island Beard & Moustache Competition and the Tattoo & Motorcycle Show. Now all we need is for someone to bring back the Most Beautiful Baby Contest!

Miss Luna Mermaid Pageant, Luna Park NYC
Entry Deadline: June 12. Pageant: ~~Wednesday, June 16~~, rescheduled for Thursday, June 17, 7 pm

Coney Island’s new Luna Park is staging its first-ever Miss Luna Mermaid Pageant on ~~Wednesday June 16th~~ Thursday, June 17th, at 7pm. One queen will be crowned Miss Luna Mermaid and along with four runners up will ride on Luna Park’s float in Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade on June 19. Contestants ~~must be age 21-30 and~~ will be judged in two categories, swimwear and talent. Be demure! “Please refrain from any talents or swimwear that is explicit and/or not appropriate for the viewership of all park guests.” Entry form and pageant rules on Luna Park’s website. Contact: kventre@caiparks.com, 718-373-LUNA (5862)

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The Mermaid Parade, Coney Island USA
Saturday, June 19, 2 pm; Register online or on site on the day of the parade starting at 10 am

Chief Justice pours first bribe of Mermaid Parade. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr

If you’re a mermaid planning to join the parade, we recommend that you first read the FAQs on CIUSA’s site. Do not underestimate the importance of bribing the judges if you hope to win a prize. As a former Mermaid Parade judge we’ve received beer, vodka, more beer, chocolate cake, beer, lubricants, play money, glow in the dark octopus toy, more beer, more vodka, lemonade, the Book of Mermon, rum balls, and finally more beer. The most unusual bribe that we know of was the wooden boat with no engines and in need of structural repair. It was offered by the Rude Mechanical Orchestra who said show up with a tugboat and it’s yours. Last year’s thread on the CIUSA Message Board about Traditional Bribing of the Judges is required reading. Or you could splurge on a judgeship, sit back and enjoy the parade. Happy Mermaid Day!

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Searching for Mr. Cyclone Contest, Cyclone Roller Coaster
Entry deadline: ~~June 26~~ July 11. Pageant: Saturday, August 7, 12-3 pm

Miss Cyclone Angie Pontani on Coney Island's beach looking for Mr Cyclone. Photo © Charles Denson

According to the contest guidelines, “The Cyclone knows no fear and neither should you in your quest to become the first ever MISTER CYCLONE in the history of the free world!” Contestants will be judged on strength, endurance, Coney Island wits, creativity, talent, style and romance.

To compete for the title of Mr. Cyclone, applicants must fill out an application on the contest webpage by ~~June 26~~July 11. Contestants will be selected by a team of “Cyclone experts” to have a profile posted on the Cyclone roller coaster’s homepage, where the public will be invited to vote for their favorite and send the top 7 to the live competition in Coney Island on August 7th.

“Mr. Cyclone 2010” will take part in the Cyclone’s 2011 Opening Day Ceremonies, the Mermaid Parade, receive a season pass to the Cyclone Roller Coaster, throw out an opening pitch at a Brooklyn Cyclones game and revel in the glory of being Mr. Cyclone. Contact: misscyclone2010@gmail.com, 718-265-2100

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Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, Nathan’s Famous
Event: Sunday, July 4th, 12 noon, pre-show at 10:30 am
This summer will mark the 95th year of the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, It’s too late to register for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifiers around the country, but on the Fourth of July you can join the crowd watching the contest live in Coney Island instead of on ESPN. Contact: International Federation of Competitive Eating

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Coney Island Talent Show, Thirsty Girl Productions
Entry deadline: ~~July 7~~ July 16. Talent Show: Saturday, July 31, 4-8 pm

The first-ever Coney Island Talent Show on the Boardwalk has posted an open call for performers in five categories: Best Drag Performance or Celebrity Impersonator; Circus Freaks and Sideshow Geeks (including all variety, novelty acts); Dance Your Pants Off (including soloists, troupes & step teams); Creative Kids, 9-12 years; Sassy Seniors, 60 and up. According to the contest guidelines: “The sub-category in each level is Best Costume, so be sure and dress with pizazz to this Coney Island affair. Singing is encouraged for all categories!”

1^st prize in each category will receive a cash prize of $200, a season pass to participating Coney Island Amusements and an opportunity to perform live before a Brooklyn Cyclone’s Baseball Game, The 22^nd Tattoo & Motorcycle Festival, or The 8^th Annual New York Burlesque Festiva.l 2^nd prize in each category will receive a cash prize of $50, and day passes to participating Coney Island Amusements. 3^rd prize in each category will receive day passes to participating Coney Island Amusements. The Best Dressed person in each category will receive a special mystery prize. The Best Dressed person in each category will receive a special mystery prize.

Contestants are asked to fill out an application on the website and post a video of their performance on YouTube or Vimeo. Seven contestants in each category will be selected by a panel of top secret Coney Island talent scouts and be asked to compete in the live event on July 31.
Contact: coneyislandtalent@gmail.com, 917-770-8559

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The Miss Coney Island Burlesque Beauty Pageant, Coney Island USA/Burlesque at the Beach, Friday, September 17, 10-11 pm

Miss Coney Island 2007 Ekaterina & Bambi. Photo © Norman Blake via coneyislandusa's flickr

Gigi LaFemme is the reigning Miss Coney Island. Her predecessors have included Gal Friday, Serpentina, Ekaterina and Bambi. The Great Fredini, who runs Burlesque at the Beach, responded to our request for info on this year’s pageant: “Bambi carefully curates the Miss Coney Island Pageant herself. We usually have 8-12 competitors and I MC the show with a band. It’s run in a classic beauty pageant format with segments for runway, talent, lineup, etc. As far as this year… I can confirm that Angie Pontani will be competing, so the competition is going to be steep! The thing is you just never know who will take it because the audience in the theater votes to decide who the new Miss Coney Island will be. So it’s really about who the audience loves the most. It’s very Coney Island!” Contact: www.coneyisland.com

Fence Wrap Advertising Comes to Coney Island’s Stillwell Avenue

Posted in News, Real Estate, tagged advertising, CIDC, Coney Island Development Corporation, fence wraps, Stillwell Avenue, Thor Equities on June 7, 2010| Leave a Comment »

AFTER: Advertising on Fence Wraps, Stillwell Ave East, Coney Island. May 28, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr

Thanks to some fence wrap magic, tourists who walk down Stillwell Ave on their way to the Beach and Boardwalk will no longer be confronted by abandoned flea market tents and empty lots. In April, the Coney Island Development Corporation initiated the fence wrap project for the City’s parcels on the Boardwalk side of Stillwell, where CAI/Zamperla will build Scream Zone after finishing work on Luna Park.

Thor Equities abandoned flea market, Coney Island. April 16, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita//me-myself-i via flickr

BEFORE: Thor Equities abandoned flea market tents on Stillwell Ave East, Coney Island. April 16, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita//me-myself-i via flickr

Since Thor Equities Stillwell lots have remained vacant, the CIDC got permission to install the wraps on Thor’s property as well. The advertising campaign does a good job of hiding what remains of Thor’s tent structures from last summer’s failed flea market. The structures are on Thor’s land only, since the city cleared their section of Stillwell after the property was purchased from Thor in November. The mesh banners advertise the Brooklyn Cyclones, Ringling’s Coney Island Illuscination, the Cyclone Roller Coaster, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Luna Park and the Coney Island Fun Guide’s “More Ooohs. New Aaahs” campaign. Kudos to the CIDC’s Lynn Kelly and Nathan Bliss, who were seen installing the fence wraps themselves without any help from Joe Sitt.

Advertising on Fence Wraps, Thor Equities Stillwell West lot. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr

AFTER: Advertising on Fence Wraps, Thor Equities Stillwell West lot. May 28, 2010. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr

Not exactly news: Thor Equities’ flashy ad in IAAPA Funworld amounts to a charade because Sitt failed to lease his property to any of the amusement operators who came to New York to negotiate a deal. While the City can’t force Sitt to rent his property, it appears that he was made to clean up his mess. The tent sidewalls and tops have come down since we reported that bedraggled tents were the first sight visitors see when they stroll down Stillwell Avenue (“Thor’s Coney Island: Tattered Tents, Deathwatch for Vacant Buildings,” April 21).

But the framework remains standing since Sitt was reportedly asking prospective tenants to pay the cost. “They won’t take it down. It costs 10 grand to take it down,” Mark Lovell of Universal Fairs told ATZ last month (“Scoop: Deal to Rent Thor’s Coney Island Lots a No-Go for Fair Producer, May 13). Rumor has it that yet another potential tenant is waiting to sign a lease. Sorry, we’ll believe it when they’re set up and selling tickets! Let’s not forget what Stillwell looked like before Joe Sitt bought the property and got rid of the amusements.