Industry leaders line-up to advise New York institution
A virtual “who’s who” of amusement industry leaders has been appointed by New York City to form the Coney Island Amusement Advisory Panel, which will help “structure and expedite the city’s plans for interim amusements at Coney Island in Summer 2010.”
The group will also assist the city in continued planning efforts for a permanent amusement operation and development of a 27-acre amusement and entertainment district.
The panel, convened by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Coney Island Development Corporation will be chaired by Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides (pictured). Members of the group also include Chip Cleary of Palace Entertainment, Jim Pattison of Ripley Entertainment, Tony Catanoso from the Atlantic City Steel Pier, Nikki Nolan from Great Wolf Resorts, the Rockwell Group’s David Rockwell, Zamperla USA’s Valerio Ferrari, Kieran E Burke of Six Flags Inc and Vin Cipolla, president of the Municipal Art Society (MAS). Jack Rouse, CEO of Jack Rouse Associates, will moderate the meetings.
The city’s Coney Island Plan is expected to generate more than 25,000 construction jobs and 6,000 permanent jobs. When complete, the project will create 500,000 sq ft of retail and services.
