Coney Island will soon get around 700 new affordable homes as part of a sweeping plan to revitalize the area, Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday.
The city is partnering with a private developer to build 420 homes, supported by a $90 million subsidy from the Adams administration and a $116 million loan from the Housing Development Corporation. It will also work with the nonprofit Settlement Housing Fund to develop 178 affordable and supportive housing units as part of the Coney Landing project.
The announcement is the third phase of Adams’ vision for Coney Island, which aims to build approximately 1,100 homes in the area and reinvigorate public infrastructure within the next three years. As part of that vision, the city is investing in new streets, sewers and public realm improvements on the peninsula, including a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center.
He said in a statement that the development aims to invite more families into the “iconic” area.
“Along with tens of millions of dollars for new streets, sewers, and a renovated ice rink, these homes will make sure that Coney Island is not only a great place for families to spend time together but also a great place to live as well,” Adams said.
The NYC Economic Development Corporation will also find a developer to build 500 homes — including 125 affordable units — on a city-owned lot on Surf Avenue.
The first two phases of Coney Island’s revitalization included affordable housing units alongside office buildings for city agencies and open retail space.
Settlement Housing president Judy Herbstman said the partnership will help tackle the city’s lack of affordable housing.
“Settlement Housing Fund is incredibly proud to partner with HPD and HDC on this impactful project, which will bring 178 much-needed affordable and supportive homes to Coney Island, replacing a surface parking lot with a resilient new 15-story development,” Herbstman said.
“This project stands as a powerful response to the strong need for more affordable housing across New York City,” she added.
Debates over affordable housing have dominated the mayoral race, with many Democratic primary candidates running on it as a top issue and often criticizing Adams’ housing record.
In a statement Tuesday, Adolfo Carrion Jr., deputy mayor for housing, economic development and workforce, defended the Adams administration’s housing achievements.
“These are more than just numbers in a press release,” Carrion said. “These are real homes where families will develop and grow. They are the reason this work is so important and the reason we are proud to call ourselves the most pro-housing administration in New York City history.”
Ahmed Tigani, acting commissioner of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), said the housing is part of the mayor’s push for a more equitable city.
“Today, our administration is not just making progress — we’re building momentum,” Tigani said. “From Inwood to Coney Island, HPD and the entire Adams administration is driving forward with a deep commitment to creating a fairer, more accessible city across every zip code.”
