Coney Community Board Nixes Markowitz's Childs Restaurant Theater Conversion

Community Board 13 voted down Borough President Marty Markowitz’s plan to convert the landmarked Childs Restaurant on Surf Avenue, the Daily News reports. The board voted 14 to seven against the plan to build a community arts center with a 5,000-seat amphitheater, a lawn behind it that can fit 2,000, and a restaurant. Board members said they were worried about traffic, noise from the concerts, and the projected $53,000,000 price tag. Markowitz said he was “disappointed” by the vote, especially after the Community Board 13 land-use committee approved the redevelopment 10 to one. As the Daily News points out, the board’s ruling is “merely advisory,” and City Planning will most likely vote to approve the plan next month. The LPC unanimously supported the plan back in July to transform the theater, which was built in 1923 and has been neglected since the restaurant closed in 1947.

Community Board Knocks Down Concert Plan for Historic Childs Restaurant [NY Daily News]
Building of the Day: 2102 Boardwalk [Brownstoner]
Rendering by GKV Architects