The city’s plan to seize about 75,000 square feet of land in Coney Island won some key support Monday at a public hearing where even those who oppose eminent domain in principle said it is finally time to put long-dormant property to better use.
About 65 people attended the hearing at Coney Island Hospital on the plan to seize three seaside lots through condemnation — including a vacant 60,000-square-foot tract that once housed the original Thunderbolt roller coaster.
Of the 11 who spoke, only three opposed the plan.
The rest were either neutral or said they support it, explaining that they see it as a way of improving the amusement district while adding more rides and attractions. Infrastructure improvements would also be made on the eyed land in advance of thousands of units of affordable and market-rate housing expected to be built nearby someday through a 2009 area rezoning.
“We believe this project is critical for the long-term sustainability of Coney Island,” said Adriana Scotti, vice president of economic development for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
The owners of the old Thunderbolt site didn’t attend the hearing.
But the owner of the lone active lot called it an “abuse of power.”
“My property has been home to a business for the past 100 years without interruption. There is no blight,” said Carol Murray, owner of a targeted 9,000-square-foot parcel now occupied by the spinning Polar Express and other rides.
Dick Zigun, who runs the world-famous Coney Island USA and Circus Sideshow, later said he sympathizes with Murray but believes eminent domain is necessary because it will finally give the city land it needs to build a promised grand walkway connecting three landmarks: the Cyclone roller coaster, Wonder Wheel and Parachute Jump.
“Carol, I’m sorry you are losing your property, but I hope you get rich and make a lot of money,” by selling the land to the city, Zigun said.
Councilman Mark Treyger, who represents neighborhood, and other city officials said they still hope to work with Murray and the other landowners so the city can buy the property and avoid condemnation.
Murray afterwards said she’d listen to offers but is also considering taking legal steps to fight the land grab.
The city Parks Department will accept written testimony on the plan until November 2.
