The historic Coney Island amusement park, Astroland, is ending a 46-year run today as it closes up shop for the summer -- and for good.
Co-Owner Carol Hill Albert says she was unable to work out a lease extension with developer Thor Equities, and that she has no choice but to shut down.
Thor says its disappointed with the decision to close the park, but that's little consultation to the Brooklynites and advocates who oppose the major development plan for the beachfront area.
"It's just a damn shame that the City of New York and the developers who bought the property on Coney Island can't do something to preserve the heritage and the legacy of what this place was and the way we want it to be," said Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger.
For many New Yorkers, Astroland is synonymous with their childhoods.
"We come here as much as possible and I feel like they're tearing down my whole childhood, my whole life, my legacy," said long-time area resident Terry Rosenzweig. "Everything I have is here. That's why I'm trying to capture everything I can – my last moments of my life growing up here on Coney Island today."
Even though Astroland is closing, fans of the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel shouldn't worry.
Both of those rides are covered by separate leases and are expected to reopen next year.
Co-Owner Carol Hill Albert says she was unable to work out a lease extension with developer Thor Equities, and that she has no choice but to shut down.
Thor says its disappointed with the decision to close the park, but that's little consultation to the Brooklynites and advocates who oppose the major development plan for the beachfront area.
"It's just a damn shame that the City of New York and the developers who bought the property on Coney Island can't do something to preserve the heritage and the legacy of what this place was and the way we want it to be," said Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger.
For many New Yorkers, Astroland is synonymous with their childhoods.
"We come here as much as possible and I feel like they're tearing down my whole childhood, my whole life, my legacy," said long-time area resident Terry Rosenzweig. "Everything I have is here. That's why I'm trying to capture everything I can – my last moments of my life growing up here on Coney Island today."
Even though Astroland is closing, fans of the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel shouldn't worry.
Both of those rides are covered by separate leases and are expected to reopen next year.
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