Dear Gothamist: Astroland Meets Planet of the Apes

Occasionally, Gothamist gets amazing emails from our readers. Here's one:

Good morning Jake and Jen,
I am an illustrator from Ottawa, Ontario and read Gothamist daily. I love New York and I am moving there next September and have been closely following the news about the sale of the Astroland Properties to Thor Equities. I had the chance to visit Coney Island for the first time just last month and I love its charm.

I decided to do an illustration about the sale of the property that could eventually clear out such landmarks as the Cyclone and the rest of the amusement park.

I came up with idea of having some recognizable features of the Astroland property washed ashore and forgotten in a composition similar to the futuristic view from Planet of the Apes.

Thank you, and keep up the great work!

All the best,
Joel Kimmel

Great image, Joel-- thanks for sending it in.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jake Dobkin in Arts and Events on December 4, 2006 1:00 PM

Comments [rss]

zincink

:(

Its all over.

ChzPlz

hey Joel - another reader from Ottawa here... you're not alone!

m

As long as they keep Shoot the Freak.

s

This is great except for the fact that the Cyclone is a protected landmark as is the wonder wheel and the parachute drop tower, they will not be removed. Unfortunately, the rest of Astroland will be razed to make way for some crappy condos and malls, with a possible new rollercoaster being built as a sort of feeble attempt to appease fans of coney island. it is sad that astroland is going away, but it is inevitable, at least the only things that are really worth keeping will be kept.