Mayor establishes $1 million Coney Island Business Improvement District

Investment aims to boost local businesses and beautify the neighborhood

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the establishment of the Coney Island Business Improvement District (BID) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with a $1 million investment to support local businesses and improve the area's appearance through sanitation, marketing, and infrastructure upgrades.

Why it matters

Coney Island is home to over 100,000 people, with a poverty rate of 26.3% - higher than the city's overall poverty rate of 18.2%. This BID investment signals a shift towards targeted economic development in the neighborhood, which has historically been neglected by the city and state.

The details

The $1 million investment will focus on a variety of sanitation and beautification efforts, enhanced marketing materials, additional greenery, and power-washed communal spaces. BIDs in New York City are managed by local stakeholders and fund improvements beyond typical city services, with boards comprised of property owners, merchants, residents, and local elected officials.

  • The BID was announced on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • In January 2026, Mayor Mamdani signed an executive order to cut fees and fines for small businesses within six months.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the establishment of the Coney Island Business Improvement District.

Kayla Santosuosso

A Brooklyn City Council member who joined Mayor Mamdani in signing the certificate of incorporation for the BID.

Justin Brannan

A former Brooklyn City Council member who was acknowledged for his work in bringing the BID project to fruition.

Dennis Vourderis

The co-owner of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and a board member for Alliance for Coney Island, who expressed optimism about the benefits the BID will bring.

Pamela Pettyjohn

The founder and president of the Coney Island Beautification Project, who welcomed the opportunity and hopes the BID will provide the structure and resources needed to continue and expand beautification efforts.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long, the city and state have failed to invest in Coney Island in a meaningful way.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (newsy-today.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This BID investment signals a shift towards targeted economic development in Coney Island, acknowledging the neighborhood's unique challenges and potential. BIDs can be effective tools for revitalization, but their success hinges on strong community engagement and sustainable funding models.