On Wednesday, September 10, author of Coney Island: Lost and Found, Charles Denson, will give an illustrated talk on the history of this neighborhood in transition. Denson will offer an unsentimental look at Coney Island as it was, and is: a remote sandbar that became the most famous resort in the world and has been re-shaped by sociological, economic, and political forces. In addition to tracing the community’s rich history, Denson will discuss the parties and personalities involved in current proposals for Coney Island’s redevelopment and examine why many long-time landowners felt compelled to sell their properties.
Coney Island: A Ride Through History, Wednesday, September 10, at The Municipal Art Society, 457 Madison Avenue at E. 51st St. $15, $12, MAS members/students. Purchase tickets online or call 212-935-2075.

Then, on Wednesday, September 17, representatives from the Department of City Planning and the Coney Island Development Corporation will present the Comprehensive Development and Rezoning Plan for Coney Island. This plan would transform the area into a year round entertainment district, with abundant retail and as many as 5,000 apartments along Surf Avenue. Following the presentation, a panel with varied perspectives will respond to the city’s proposal. Featured speakers, include: Kent Barwick, president, Municipal Art Society; Purnima Kapur, director, NYC Department of City Planning, Brooklyn Office; Lynn Kelly, president, Coney Island Development Corporation; Carol Hill Albert, co-owner, Astroland; Sheryl Robertson, director, South Brooklyn Youth Consortium; Dick Zigun, founder and artistic director of Coney Island USA;and moderator Jonathan Bowles, director, Center for an Urban Future.
Coney Island at the Crossroads, Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at The Municipal Art Society, 457 Madison Avenue, at E. 51st St. $15, $12 MAS members/students. Purchase tickets online or call 235 935 2075.

For details on all upcoming public programs this fall, visit www.mas.org/programs.