Mermaid Avenue celebrates first holiday lighting in two decades
The crowd gathered for the lighting. Photos By Steve Solomonson
By Meaghan McGoldrick
December 4, 2018
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Coney Island got into the holiday spirit on Wednesday as it reveled in a special ceremony for the unveiling of magnificent holiday lights along Mermaid Avenue, one of the nabe’s crucial commercial strips.
The ceremony, which included caroling, hot chocolate and guest appearances from local politicians, saw the lighting of a mile-long stretch of Mermaid Avenue from Stillwell Avenue to West 33rd Street.
According to spokesperson Jeorge Cymon, this is the first time Mermaid Avenue has been illuminated for the holiday in two decades.
The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Alliance for Coney Island and Councilmember Mark Treyger, while the lights themselves were made possible by a $20,000 donation from the Arker Companies, a family-owned real estate company focused on building affordable housing.
Councilmember Mark Treyger and Alexandra Silversmith.
Treyger, as well as newly-elected Assemblymember Mathylde Frontus, were on hand for the historic lighting.
“We’re shining a whole new light on the holiday season in Coney Island,” Treyger told this paper. “I am extremely proud to have partnered with the Alliance for Coney Island to secure the funding that brings holiday lighting back to Mermaid Avenue for the first time in decades. It was heartwarming to see so many community members gathered together to see these lights shine bright for the first time.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
