Coney Island's Astroland to Leave Space

The on-again, off-again news continues for Astroland, and this time park owner Carol Albert says it's off--for good. According to the Associated Press, Albert was unable to secure a two-year lease extension from Thor Equities, the developer that owns the property on which the nearly 50-year-old park sits. She says that this Sunday, September 7, the park will permanently close. Similar news emanated form Coney Island last year, but an eleventh-hour deal was worked out to keep the park open for the 2008 season. It wouldn't surprise me if a similar deal eventually emerges this year. No matter what, the Cyclone roller coaster, which is located in Astroland, will reopen since it is a National Historic Landmark that is protected in perpetuity.

Since its inception, a single operator has never owned and managed the landmark Coney Island amusement area (unlike most modern-day theme parks). Rather, it has been, and continues to be, a collection of independent owners and vendors. The area's other major park, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, owns its own property and will probably be open for the 2009 season. Coney Island is embroiled in a power struggle to reshape the struggling amusement area. The players include investors, the area's current vendors and tenants, the people who live in the neighborhood and the outlying areas, casual and ardent park fans, and the city of New York. Read all about it on my Coney Island profile page.

• The Cyclone at Coney Island Roller Coaster Ride Review
• Coney Island Photo Gallery

Photo: The Cyclone has been delivering Coney Island thrills for years. ©Arthur Levine 2007. Licensed to About.com.