Interview with Coney Island USA Founder Dick Zigun

Since arriving at Coney Island in 1979 Dick Zigun, the self proclaimed “Mayor of Coney Island” has seen quite a bit of change over the years. With the amusement season starting next weekend along with the Coney Island USA Gala coming home for the first time on Saturday night, we decided to interview Mr. Zigun about the current changes at Coney Island.

 

The Coney Island Blog: The Coney Island USA Spring Gala is actually being held at Coney Island this year. Can you tell us about the history of the gala, why the new location and how important this event is to Coney Island?

Dick Zigun: CIUSA has held a major Spring Fundraising Gala in Manhattan since 2003..we only now have the real estate capacity to do the Gala at our own facility in Coney Island since purchasing the Denny’s Ice Cream building and renovating it into our Shooting Gallery Arts Annex..also our 2nd floor Coney Island Museum just reopened after extensive renovations last summer..so with the renovations and the 2nd building we can now accommodate 250 people..so why pay rent to use Webster Hall anymore?

 

The Coney Island Blog:The mission is make Coney Island a year round destination. How is Coney Island USA contributing to that mission?

Dick Zigun: The major $1M renovation of our landmark 1917 building was all about HVAC (Heat/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) as well as fire alarm and sprinkler systems…thus with heat and AC we can now program our building 12 months per year…plus now our CI Museum is finally up to proper museum environmental conditions and we are proud that the CI Museum just received it’s PERMANENT Charter from New York State.

 

The Coney Island Blog: It seems like the past few years there has been considerable development within the amusement district. Last year the Thunderbolt roller coaster was reborn. The amusement parks will be opening this weekend. Are there any new attractions that you are looking forward to seeing?

Dick Zigun: I am looking forward to both the Aquarium expansion and the Amphitheater/Child’s Restaurant renovation in 2016 ,expanding the Entertainment/Tourist district both west and east on the Boardwalk! CIUSA landmarked that Child’s Restaurant and is also the non-profit component associated with the project. We also landmarked the Shore Theater, but that has yet to find a new tenant or owner to restore it..a project I think is essential to a revitalized and healthy amusement district.

 

The Coney Island Blog:The big name franchises are certainly making their way to Coney Island. We have Wahlburgers and an IHOP on the way. Many people are opposed to so many franchises taking up space in NYC. The #SaveNYC campaign is lobbying to help protect small business owners from losing their lease. Can big name franchises and small businesses co-exist in Coney Island?

Dick Zigun: Transforming Surf Avenue from an illegal furniture district back to a tourist friendly eating/drinking strip makes me very very happy whether it’s franchises or small businesses. Lunatics and Luna Park Cafe and the new cupcake store are awesome..and if the critics would only go inside Applebee’s they’d see a very Coney Island themed environment staffed by authentic Coney Island residents..no problem!

 

The Coney Island Blog: Which direction to you see Coney Island heading 5-10 years from now?

Dick Zigun: In 10 years? I expect a few hotels and a Cineplex and a decent entertainment complex on Thor Equities properties..and if they build high-rise housing we can expect stores on the ground floor…bowling alley? Nightclubs? Bring it on!

 

 The Coney Island USA Spring Gala will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 8pm-midnight at Coney Island USA

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