Coney Island Nathan's in Danger Under Bloomberg Plan

photo via ultraclay

Coney Island: The Brooklyn Paper dropped a bombshell late yesterday afternoon, reporting that the iconic Nathan's Famous Hot Dog stand in Coney Island could shutter as part of Mayor Bloomberg's proposed plan to build a 27-acre indoor-outdoor amusement area called "People's Playground." The unreleased 1000-page proposal revealed that plans to develop said amusement park in addition to hotels, apartment complexes, and other attractions would likely mean the demolition of the nearly 100-year-old landmark, which is "assumed to be replaced under the proposed actions." However, it's not set in stone:

"The Brooklyn Paper received two e-mails from city officials that reiterated that it is not the city plan to tear down the Nathan’s restaurant, but merely to rezone the area to stimulate development. Indeed, the Nathan’s company, which owns the iconic frank shack, could hold onto the site and develop it itself, one city official reminded."

Additionally, the project still has to be approved by the local community board, Borough President Markowitz, City Planning, and the City Council, so Nathan's lovers and NY preservationists shouldn't panic just yet.
UPDATE: In response to the above reports, a statement from Eric Gatoff, CEO of Nathan's Famous:

"Nathan's Famous supports all efforts to revitalize Coney Island. We remain committed to Coney Island in the long-term and we fully intend to maintain our historic flagship restaurant at 1310 Surf Avenue, which has been the heart of the company since it was established in 1916.

"As to the latest report issued by the City, we believe the information relating to Nathan's Famous is being misinterpreted and that there is no intention to replace or demolish our flagship location. In fact, the Coney Island Development Corporation's own drawings of its intended redevelopment continue to show Nathan's Famous in the same location on which it has stood for 93 years, on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues, at the front door to the "People's Playground."

"In the near-term, we will work with all involved to ensure that visitors to Coney Island experience the same magic this summer as they always have. Coney Island is open for business, it will continue to be open for business, and Nathan’s Famous will be there for its customers as it has been since 1916."

· Dog gone? Nathan's could be victim of Coney success [Brooklyn Paper]
· Yuletide Fear in Coney Island: Entire Boardwalk For Lease [Curbed]