M
ayor Eric Adams joined a groundbreaking ceremony for an all-affordable apartment tower in Coney Island, marking the latest development in the area's rapid growth. The 420-unit building, located behind the boardwalk at 1709 Surf Ave, is part of a trio of properties by BFC Partners that will add 1,242 new apartments to the neighborhood.

    The project, which includes stylish modern apartments and amenities like swimming pools and lounges, is situated near the Parachute Jump and Maimonides Park. However, the area still lacks shopping and dining options, with only a few exceptions like Gargiulo's Italian restaurant.

    Despite ample ground-floor retail spaces in the new buildings, drawing tenants to these areas has been a challenge due to the neighborhood's outdated reputation for crime and homelessness. To fully realize its potential, the city's Economic Development Corp., the Coney Island Alliance business-improvement district, and developers must work together to revitalize the area.

    The development is part of Mayor Adams' plan to deliver 1,500 affordable homes and invest in new infrastructure. With more than a half-dozen new projects opening or soon to open on Surf Avenue, the neighborhood is rapidly changing thanks to a 2009 rezoning that has sparked growth.