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Rumors have always resonated in the fading remains and vanished sights of Coney Island's once-upon-a-time glory that its final summer would eventually arrive. As constant and determinate as the waves that crash along its shores, as woeful as the increased presence of abandoned rides and attractions falling into decay, is the sound of Coney Island's swan song emanating from teetering calliopes and tottering sounds of mirth. This once great amusement park, famous throughout much of the world, is now only a shadow of its former self and is in its death throes: its final summer has finally arrived, and its visitors seem to be going through the motions of having a good time as gentrification inevitably moves in.

Of course, I don't expect the world to be overwhelmed by grief and sadness at Coney Island's demise. Most of you are probably bored by my topic; at best, you're indifferent to it and little concerned by what concerns me so much. Admittedly, even in its Golden Years, Coney Island was often tacky in appearance and foolish in attraction; indeed, it was always considered cheap and gaudy...even by many that loved the place. But in spite of its obvious shortcomings, it was truly loved by the millions who came to know this sandbar of cheap thrills and delights; it was a major part of Brooklyn and loved as a major part of New York City's extended family.

Coney Island is the birthplace for (among other things) the American hotdog (the Nathans' frank) and the roller-coaster (the "Cyclone" in particular). For at least three decades it has lived off of that reputation; but reputation doesn't pay the bills and present day financial reality is unconcerned with sentiment and nostalgia. Thor Equities, a mall and commercial real estate developer, plans a $1.5 billion redesign of the area which includes an upscale techno theme park with retail space, time-shared high rises and luxury hotels. A modernized Coney Island Amusement Park with vertical roller-coasters and digitally-operated fun houses will replace the low-tech rides and arcades that dwindle there now.

Many argue that Coney Island would merely be going back to its own beginnings. In the 19th-century, the idle rich of the city recreated themselves at the grand hotels and exclusive shore of nearby Manhattan Beach; the working classes sought recreation at Coney Island's cheap vaudeville houses and revolutionary amusement rides. In the years to come, Luna Park (which was possibly the first theme park) arose: a dazzingly-lit, fantasy city of globes, spires and minarets, bringing to Coney Island more "sophisticated" visitors. Later came Steeplechase Park which featured mechanical horses that rode on rails along the periphery of this hodgepodge arena of thrilling-spilling rides and curiosities. The "Parachute Jump" (which was originally the LIFESAVER'S exhibit at the 1939 NYC World's Fair) arrived in 1941 and the "Cyclone" (with two other major roller-coasters: the "Tornado" and "Thunderbolt") was erected in the 20s along with the "Wonder Wheel." These, along with a host of other freakish attractions and fanciful rides that came and went, formed the legend of Coney Island down to the waves of its crowded beach.

But all good things of fancy (sometimes even of fact) must come to an end: Luna Park burned-down in 1944 and Steeplechase Park closed-down in 1965; the rise of theme parks and various "adventure lands" that accompanied the suburban exodus in the 50s and 60s were the first inklings of Coney Island's fate. AstroLand, a haphazard attempt to keep in step with the new theme park craze, was doomed from the start...shadows of it surviving today in Coney Island's final hours.

Luckily, for those of us who care, the Parachute Jump and the Cyclone cannot be torn down: they're designated as historical landmarks and will stand on the edges of the proposed New Coney Island as relics of a bygone age besides the glitter and glitz of modernization. Now that I come to think of it, this is something that Coney Island has always done, both in its Golden Age and Rusted Age: hearkening back to a former time that forever looked ahead and beyond its self. I remember myself as a child on one of its merry-go-rounds (enraptured and perplexed by all that surrounded me), always attempting to grasp the brass ring but never succeeding...always telling myself: one day I'll grasp it!--maybe.