Coney Island was once upon a time an outer barrier island, separated from Brooklyn by the Coney Island creek. Construction of the Belt Parkway led to the creek being filled in, making of Coney Island a peninsula. In early 20th century an electric railroad connected the peninsula with Manhattan, which attracted day trippers from the city. Amusement park Luna Park opened in 1903. The electric lamps covering the park's buildings were a novelty. The amusement park closed in 1944 after a fire destroyed much of it. Today the original park is occupied by a residential apartment complex. Astroland opened years later, in 1962 and became a huge city attraction. In the summer of 1975 Astroland became the operator of the nearby Cyclone, Coney Island's signature roller coaster ride. The theme park closed in September of 2008. The park is now occupied by modernised Luna Park, which opened in May of 2010. Today's Coney Island shows a mix of nostalgia and a push for ambitious development projects. How the neighborhood will evolve in the next few years is anyone's guess.
The photos encompass the period from January 2008 to March 2013.
Early afternoon, temperature in the mid 40s. January 13, 2008.
January 13, 2008. Theme park Astroland closed in September of the same year.
January 13, 2008.
Mermaid holding hot dog. January 13, 2008.
Summer mood, mid July 2008.
Wonder Wheel, with the Parachute Jump in the background. December 2009.
January 1, 2010; afternoon.
January 1, 2010; afternoon.
November 24, 2010, six months after Luna Park opened.
November 24, 2010.
Sun setting on Coney Island. December 24, 2010.
July 18, 2011.
July 18, 2011.
January 1, 2012.
January 1, 2012.
January 1, 2012.
After hurricane Sandy. December 23, 2012.
December 23, 2012.
March 30, 2013.
March 30, 2013.
Early afternoon, temperature in the mid 40s. January 13, 2008.
January 13, 2008. Theme park Astroland closed in September of the same year.
January 13, 2008.
Mermaid holding hot dog. January 13, 2008.
Summer mood, mid July 2008.
Wonder Wheel, with the Parachute Jump in the background. December 2009.
January 1, 2010; afternoon.
January 1, 2010; afternoon.
November 24, 2010, six months after Luna Park opened.
November 24, 2010.
Sun setting on Coney Island. December 24, 2010.
July 18, 2011.
July 18, 2011.
January 1, 2012.
January 1, 2012.
January 1, 2012.
After hurricane Sandy. December 23, 2012.
December 23, 2012.
March 30, 2013.
March 30, 2013.
Farras Abdelnour Photography
A New York-based freelance photographer specializing in fine art and documentaries