NEW YORK

Client: NY City Magazine
Categorie: Photography, Street Photography
Photographer: Dirk Behlau
Assistant: Jessica Behlau

About: Coney Island is a residential and commercial neighborhood and entertainment area on a peninsula in southwestern Brooklyn, New York City. The origin of Coney Island's name is disputed, but the area was originally part of the colonial town of Gravesend. By the mid-19th century it had become a seaside resort, and by the late 19th century, amusement parks had also been built at the location. The attractions reached a historical peak during the first half of the 20th century. However, they declined in popularity after World War II, and following years of neglect, several structures were torn down. Various redevelopment projects were proposed for Coney Island in the 1970s through the 2000s, though most of these were not carried out. The area was revitalized with the opening of MCU Park in 2001 and several amusement rides in the 2010s.