Council Vote Makes it Final: Boardwalk is Landmark

It was only a formality, but a vote taken by the City Council on July 18 sealed the deal for the Coney Island Boardwalk to become an official landmark.

On Wednesday, July 19 the council voted to affirm the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designation of the Coney Island Boardwalk, officially called the Riegelmann Boardwalk, as a scenic landmark.

The council vote marked the final step in the designation process.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to grant landmark status to the boardwalk on May 15, 95 years to the day after it opened.

“This designation means that, no matter what, there will always be a Coney Island Boardwalk,” said Councilmember Mark Treyger, who represents the area and who pushed for the 2.7 mile-long walkway to be designated as a landmark.

“The Boardwalk is such a critical piece of our history because it is accessible to everyone. It’s where our children play, where our seniors socialize, where families relax or stay active together, and where countless New Yorkers and visitors come to enjoy the fresh air, the beautiful views and the thrills of the People’s Playground,” Treyger said.

The Boardwalk stretches from Coney Island into Brighton Beach and is named in honor of Edward Riegelmann, who served as Brooklyn borough president from 1918 to 1924.

“I am thrilled that this council has finally affirmed what Brooklynites know to be true, the Coney Island Boardwalk is a scenic landmark,” said Councilmember Chaim Deutsch, whose district includes a portion of the historic walkway. “Since 1923, our Boardwalk has been a destination for millions of visitors from New York City and beyond.”

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