Blast off! Part of Astrotower to be removed

Everyone knows the Parachute Jump is Brooklyn’s Eiffel Tower, but this week the borough got its own Leaning Tower.

As we were going to press, this paper learned that a portion of the Astrotower will be removed as soon as possible “so the areas of Coney Island that have been temporarily closed to the public may reopen,” according to Chloe Gallo, a spokesperson for Luna Park.

The famed Cyclone rollercoaster and the area of Luna Park adjacent to the coaster, including the Wonder Wheel, have been closed since the afternoon of Tuesday, July 2.

The entire area of Surf Avenue was completely evacuated on Tuesday afternoon, but the B & B Carousell, the Coney Island Raceway and the Scream Zone are all re-opened for business at noon on Wednesday, July 3.

The Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Buildings and the Landmarks Commission were on the scene Tuesday and Wednesday, doing inspections.

“No one is in immediate danger,” Gallo said.

The Astrotower was erected in 1964, but stopped functioning as a ride in 2010. After Hurricane Sandy, the spinning tube that transported thrill seekers up and down the tower was removed due to a broken window.

“We are hoping that if anything needs to be done, it gets done quickly,” said Eddie Mark, chair of Community Board 13, which represents Coney Island.