One positive addition to Coney Island recently took place, as Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr. dedicated the corner of Stillwell and Mermaid Avenues to Granville T. Woods Way. Woods not only invented some of the technology that keeps the subways running, but he also helped bring us the roller coaster -- an invention he debuted at Coney Island in the summer of 1909. A little bit more about the man:

In 1887, he patented the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, which allowed communications between train stations from moving trains. Granville T. Woods' invention made it possible for trains to communicate with the station and with other trains so they knew exactly where they were at all times.

Alexander Graham Bell’s company purchased the rights to Granville T. Woods’ "telegraphony". Among his other top inventions were a steam boiler furnace and an automatic air brake used to slow or stop trains. Wood’s electric car was powered by overhead wires. It was the third rail system to keep cars running on the right track.

MTA NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz were also on hand at the dedication (which took place despite a bill being proposed last year to stop street naming), along with students from P.S. 335, the Granville T. Woods School. Councilman Recchia stated that Woods "was especially important for the Coney Island community, because without him, we wouldn’t have things like the beautiful railway station on Stillwell Avenue, or the legendary Cyclone roller coaster.”

Photo via the Brooklyn Eagle.