Residents, lawmaker call for immediate repairs to dangerous sections of Riegelmann Boardwalk
State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton stood with community leaders and residents Wednesday in Coney Island, urging the city to repair the boardwalk’s worst sections, increase inspections and address known hazards such as loose boards, missing screws and uneven planks.
“We don’t have the luxury of waiting until 2032. That’s why I’m pushing for the parks department and New York City EDC to take immediate incremental action to fix the worst sections, increase inspections and make sure known hazards are repaired,” Scarcella-Spanton said.
The senator’s office pointed to loose screws and damaged boards during the event, including one screw that staff said was removed by hand.
“My staff member was able to pull out this loose screw with her bare hands," Scarcella-Spanton said. "Imagine the danger it poses to a child running barefoot, a senior using a walker."
Scarcella-Spanton said her office plans to continue documenting complaints and reported injuries until additional repairs are made.
“Our office already gets a tremendous amount of complaints and reported injuries, so we’re going to start documenting those and we’re going to not stop until we get an answer,” Scarcella-Spanton said.