Theme park experts suggest contracting a single operator to manage Coney Island, but there's some push back from city officials who fear a loss of diversity and character.
"Mayor Bloomberg's hand-picked panel of amusement industry experts is urging the city to find a single operator to run a proposed new theme park for Coney Island, a controversial suggestion that would radically change the nature of the People's Playground, once the domain of a multitude of independent carnies and ride owners.
'The time is now to identify and select a single industry operator/developer to oversee the development,' the 'Coney Island Amusement Advisory Panel' said a statement issued yesterday. The 'blue ribbon' commission includes executives from Six Flags, Atlantic City's Steel Pier, and amusement parks in Wildwood, N.J.
Even though the suggestion for a single, Disney-like operator came from Bloomberg's own committee, city officials did not fully embrace the idea."
FULL STORY: Theme park experts urge city to ‘Disney-fy’ Coney

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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