A $1 billion makeover is coming to the nearly three-mile-long Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island. The project, which will take place in phases over several years, aims to replace utilities and structural piles, elevate walkways, and improve access points with ramps and plazas. More than a dozen adjacent buildings will also be renovated.
The Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget has allocated $1 billion for the project through 2032 as part of a larger redevelopment initiative. The Brooklyn Parks Commissioner plans to issue a request for proposals early next year, but construction won’t begin until design is finalized.
The boardwalk has been in need of repairs due to cracked support beams, rotten wood, and uneven planks. Locals have long called for upgrades, citing the boardwalk’s loose screws and gaping holes. A previous reconstruction effort after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 used plastic and concrete, but some locals were unhappy with the result.
The new project aims to enhance flood resilience, with plans to raise certain sections of the boardwalk higher to protect against coastal flooding. Some residents have expressed concerns that funding may be lost if a new administration takes over, but local leaders are committed to seeing the project through.
Construction is expected to begin in phases, allowing for public access to the beach during the process. Community input sessions will start two years into the project, giving locals a chance to shape the final design.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/12/08/billion-dollar-riegelmann-boardwalk-coney-island-renovation