Coney Island residents, business owners raise safety concerns over conditions on boardwalk
Cracked boards and uneven surfaces are raising safety concerns along the Coney Island boardwalk, and a growing petition is calling for repairs.
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Loose screws, rotting wood and raised planks along portions of the Coney Island Boardwalk are raising concerns among residents, business owners and beachgoers who say the popular waterfront destination has become increasingly hazardous.
The issues stretch across parts of the boardwalk's 2.4-mile span, according to community members who say they regularly encounter damaged sections while walking along the beachfront.
For resident Mike Iospa, the conditions became concerning enough to launch a petition calling for improvements.
"A lot of family members of mine got tripped, fallen," Iospa said. "Forget about holding a mobile phone and reading while you walk - It's going to be dangerous. You're going to fall."
Iospa says his petition has gained support from local business owners who believe the deteriorating conditions are affecting customer traffic.
Among them is restaurant owner Anatolie Popusoi, who says the boardwalk's condition is having a direct impact on his business.
"Because of the poor conditions of the boardwalk, I think we are losing the customers. We're losing 25% of the business," Popusoi said.
Others worry about the safety risks posed to some of the community's most vulnerable residents.
Vladamir Khagar, who operates an adult day care center in the area, says loose planks and exposed nails create daily hazards for his clients.
"This boardwalk is a danger to everybody, not just for my clients," Khagar said. "You can see those loose boards and nails sticking up."
Beachgoers and lifeguards say the hazards are more than just an inconvenience.
"People trip all the time. They get injuries. Come to the lifeguard station," said lifeguard Kathryn Zhenilenko. "I just think more money should be invested into fixing the boardwalk."
The concerns come as NYC Parks moves forward with a long-term reconstruction effort for the iconic boardwalk.
According to the agency, a $1 billion reconstruction project is underway, though residents say they are still looking for a clearer timeline on when improvements will be completed.
"We live here. We walk here. So what is the timeline?" Iospa said.
NYC Parks says the long-term vision for the boardwalk remains in the early planning stages. In the meantime, the agency says carpentry crews will continue making repairs five days a week through November as work continues on the waterfront landmark.
