On January 1, 2009 Coney Island was the site of the annual Polar Bear Club Swim. They do this every week during the winter months on Sunday at 1pm. That is every week, regardless of weather, like in the rain, snow, and sometimes freezing cold. One New Years Day, the rest of the nuts from NYC and surrounding areas come to Coney Island. This year there were nearly 2000 participants and on lookers. The famous Grill House was open for that one day. Needless to say, we sold tons of hot dogs and hot coffee. It was about 22 degrees, sunny and windy on the beach. This was good and bad. Good because the colder it is outside the warmer the water feels. The sun was a bright idea, adding slightly to the comfort of the individuals swimming. However, while you were
waiting for the release to go into the water, you were freezing and when you got out your body was numb and the wind was blowing the sand like needles into your skin.I think everyone had a wonderful time. However, there was a reminder for all, that things were changing in Coney Island. Thor Equities, who owns the land where all the amusement parks are has decided to play hard ball with the city of New York.
They posted huge signs on all the buildings that these stores are up for rent. This was done without the knowledge of people who own the actual structures. He has also made it known that the rents for these facilities will be more than double the previous year. That means whoever rents the stores will have no chance in making a reasonable profit. And if there are any bad weekends during the summer, then there would be a loss.When Thor Equities bought this property, t
heir President believed that even with top prices paid for the properties, he would be able to build high rise apartments and do away with the Amusement Parks. However, the city will not budge on the zoning of these properties and now threatens to seize the property under emanate domain.Coney Island is where millions of people come in the summer months to relax and enjoy the beach. They have for decades enjoyed the amusements that bordered the beach. Coney Island has been a destination of people all over the world. Today it is in need of renovation. It has the potential of being a world renowned recreation area. Two days ago Astroland removed the famous Rocket Ship from the top of Gregory and Paul’s food stand. Paul, who has owned this establishment for 58 years, had tears in his eyes when they lifted the Ship off his building.
There seems to be a tension in America today. Our pastor in his sermon two weeks ago boldly proclaimed that America has fallen prey to greed. Coney Island has become a new symbol of the tension between greed and good sense. Making (or stealing) money has become more important than the well being of the people in our country.
We have sent our best assets overseas in hopes that the share holders of our Corporations can see amazingly high profits. Our government has taken steps to bail out people who have become wealthy stealing from others.
On 911 when my son and I stood looking at the World Trade Center drop to its knees, I knew that this was going to bankrupt us. “God Bless America” was our slogan on all the highway signs. Some ministers were bold enough to call this a warning sign. Maybe we should have made the signs “Give your hearts back to God”. We also think that God Bless American means that we are entitled to the world’s resources. It may be possible that God may have to break our pride and bring us to our knees in order to pour out his blessing on us. We shall see.
Many Blessings for this New Year.
Barre.
