The owner of Astroland in Coney Island is seeking a longer lease from the major landowner, Thor Equities, as their negotiations with the City to rezone the area drag on (AP). MAS testified at the most recent public hearing on the rezoning, stating that the area set aside in the plan as of now for open-air amusements might be too small to sustain a truly great amusement district. Read MAS’ full comments on the revised draft scope.

Admiral’s Row, a series of mid-nineteenth century naval officers’ quarters in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is under threat of demolition to make way for an industrial building, a supermarket, and parking. MAS presented six alternative plans for the site that would allow for these new structures while preserving all or some of the historic buildings. Watch a video and interview with MAS on NY1; read the full press release here.

In other news, the vacant Mart 125 on 125th Street will be reconstructed as a cultural venue for local arts and performance groups in Harlem (New York Times).

Chain stores far outnumber small business in Brooklyn according to a new study published by the Center for an Urban Future (New York Daily News)

Land and business owners at Willets Point are meeting with the City’s economic development corporation again to discuss relocations (Crain’s New York Business)

On 97^th Street, rooftop additions come in the form of houses with gabled roofs and bay windows (New York Times)

Residential buildings boom on Roosevelt’s Island (New York Observer)

Pier 57, the western terminus of 14^th Street will be renovated (New York Sun)

At 150 years of age, Central Park still accomplishes the mission of its original design – a complete respite from the city (New York Sun)