Balladeers might soon be singing, “Under the Citibank Boardwalk – down by the seeeeaaa oh, yeah”
That after the city confirmed it is considering privatizing the infamous Coney Island famed boardwalk, according to the Home Reporter
The Parks Department – which has oversight over the 91-year-old walkway – acknowledged it may see what the market will fetch to maintain and control it.
“We are considering an RFP [request for proposal] with many different elements,” Parks Department Spokesperson Maeri Ferguson told the paper. “At this point, we aren’t sure if and when it will be issued. If we were to do so, per our procedures, we would notify the community board.”
But Coney Island City Councilman Mark Treyger said not so fast, voicing concerns that whatever is done needs to be in line with the public interest. He also suggested possibly creating or finding a local quasi-government organization like the Prospect Park Alliance, which maintains oversight of Prospect Park.
“I do not support privatizing a public treasure but I do believe that there can be fruitful discussion regarding partnership with local groups,” he said.
