Coney Island, long known for its iconic boardwalk and amusement parks, now has a new distinction: a Business Improvement District (BID), officially established last month.

Dennis Vourderis, vice president of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, called the approval “a long uphill battle” but expressed excitement that the BID was finally passed by the City Council and signed by the mayor.

The BID, spearheaded by the Alliance for Coney Island, aims to revitalize Mermaid and Surf Avenue with local retail and event promotions, as well as cleaner, safer streets. “People will not show up in districts where they don’t feel safe,” said Daniel Murphy, executive director of the Alliance. “So we have to make it safer through cameras, through our relationships with local enforcement agencies, and through activities.”

However, the move is not without controversy. Some shop owners still recall the 2019 Mermaid Avenue protests and worry that the BID may favor larger businesses over small, independent shops. “There is no customer. There is nothing, very slow. I can’t even pay my rent this month, and I’m not the only one complaining,” said Yelena Farea, a local store owner.

Others remain optimistic. “We need more people coming here, more attraction, more tourists. I hope the BID comes and makes the business go higher,” said Gee Cater, another shop owner.

Murphy emphasized that the Alliance for Coney Island will continue advocating for small businesses throughout the BID’s operations. “Whether it’s sanitation, whether it’s public safety, they can call us and they have the same line to the BID and therefore, the City of New York,” he said.

Daniel tells News 12 that BID operations are scheduled to officially kick off in July 2027, promising a new chapter for one of Brooklyn’s most famous neighborhoods.