Environmental Vulnerabilities & Opportunities

Projected Sea Level Rise Condition

The maps below depict sea level rise projections for Coney Island at one, three, five, and ten feet of flooding. These measurements were chosen based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s projections for the year 2100.

  • One Foot of Flooding

    At just one foot of tidal flooding, the majority of the neighborhood is highly vulnerable.

    **The dark red indicates the areas that would be the most vulnerable.These include the beachfront, boardwalk and much of the residential areas.

  • Three Feet of Flooding

    At 3 ft of tidal flooding, we see that the vulnerability of low lying residential areas near Kaiser park become increasingly vulnerable.

    **The dark red indicates the areas that would be the most vulnerable.These include the beachfront, boardwalk and much of the residential areas.

  • Five Feet of Flooding

    These projections are not meant to instill fear, but serve as a call to action so that Coney Island’s infrastructure can be better prepared to withstand unforeseen weather events.

    **The dark red indicates the areas that would be the most vulnerable.These include the beachfront, boardwalk and much of the residential areas.

  • Ten Feet of Flooding

    At ten feet of flooding, the water would inundate much of the island. The boardwalk, parks, residences, and areas surrounding Coney Island Hospital would be significantly impacted.

    **The dark red indicates the areas that would be the most vulnerable.These include the beachfront, boardwalk and much of the residential areas.

  • Extreme Heat

    Image Source: NYC Environment and Health Data Portal 2024

    During our neighborhood visits, residents raised that during the Summer, the effects of heat are magnified and difficult to bear. According to the Environment and Health Data Portal, Coney Island is rated a 5 out of 5 on its Heat Index. This means that despite the weather’s temperature reading, it will often feel like extreme heat compared to other parts of the city with lower ratings. Referred to as a “Heat Island Effect” such conditions increase the risk of heat stroke and exhaustion.

  • Tree Cover

    Image Source: NYC Environment and Health Data Portal 2024

    The distribution of trees in the neighborhood contributes to the heat island effect on Coney Island. Trees are mainly concentrated in and around parks, while those throughout the neighborhood have large stretches of sidewalk between them. While walking around the neighborhood we also noticed that many of the trees outside of parks are not large enough to provide shade.

  • Solar Power

    Image Source: Project Sunroof data explorer (June 2019)- Sources: 2010 U.S. Census, National Renewable Energy Laboratory weather data, EPA GHG Equivalencies, Department of Energy SLED (State & Local Energy Data), Google Maps

    While much of the neighborhood has the capacity for solar panel installation, existing solar infrastructure is very limited. Considering the effects of extreme heat impact on the neighborhood, support for increasing solar energy across the neighborhood will allow residents and businesses to save energy, and decrease their energy bills over time.

Parks, Open Space & Environmental Resiliency

Coney Island encompasses approximately 273 acres—or 11.9 million square feet—of parks and open space, offering significant potential for community recreation and ecological benefits. However, much of this space is underfunded and poorly maintained, limiting its usability and appeal. While the iconic boardwalk is a centerpiece of the area, many residents do not view it as "their own” open space, since it’s often crowded with thousands of visitors. This disconnect leaves locals longing for accessible, community-centered spaces that provide a sense of ownership and exclusivity.

Concerns about inadequate maintenance, limited access to facilities, and years of neglect have left many of Coney Island’s parks feeling disconnected from the community they are meant to serve. Beyond issues of upkeep, residents feel a lack of meaningful connection to these spaces because they are not designed for everyday park activities. Outdated playgrounds, the absence of dog parks, and a shortage of seating areas make it difficult for families, pet owners, and neighbors to use the parks as places to gather, play, or relax. This has created a growing sense of frustration among community members, who are seeking parks that reflect their needs and foster a sense of pride in their neighborhood.

The Boardwalk

A stark example of selective city maintenance, particularly the sections where residents access the beach vs. the amusement district, which is currently undergoing restoration after years of neglect.

However, progress has been slow, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back due to shifting priorities and a shortage of skilled professionals needed for the work. This delay has further frustrated residents, who rely on the Boardwalk as a critical connection to both recreational and cultural amenities in the area.

Kasier Park

One of the larger and more prominent green spaces in Coney Island, recently received $10 million in funding through Council Member Justin Brannan. This funding represents a significant step toward revitalizing the area, but it also highlights the park's longstanding challenges.

Poor waterfront maintenance has made portions of the park inaccessible and unsafe for subsistence fishing, diminishing its appeal and limiting its potential as a destination for recreation. Additionally, the park suffers from a lack of seating and thoughtful landscaping, which prevents visitors from fully enjoying its vast area and scenic views of the waterfront.

While the funding for Kaiser Park offers hope for positive change, many residents believe there is still a need for broader, neighborhood-wide improvements to green spaces. Thoughtful redesigns that include updated playgrounds, well-maintained walking paths, shaded seating, and spaces for community interaction could transform parks across Coney Island into vibrant, welcoming places. For a community that feels increasingly detached from its open spaces, investing in these improvements is essential to creating parks that are both functional and cherished by residents.

Photo Source: Courtney Knapp

Revitalize Community Open Spaces through Green Infrastructure Planning and Development

The recommendations for improving green infrastructure and community connection at Kaiser Park and the Coney Island Boardwalk address two critical issues: the lack of sustainable infrastructure and limited opportunities for meaningful community engagement. These areas currently face environmental challenges such as stormwater management and urban heat island effects, exacerbated by inadequate greenery and green infrastructure. Simultaneously, these public spaces are underutilized as hubs for social and cultural activities. By adopting these recommendations, the community can transform these spaces into multifunctional environments that promote ecological health, resilience to climate change, and stronger social ties. These improvements could make Kaiser Park and the boardwalk models of sustainable urban development.

Diagrams: Proposed Improvements in Kaiser Park and the Coney Island Boardwalk (Source: Jasmin Malhotra)

  • The objectives of these recommendations are to increase green space, implement sustainable stormwater management solutions, and strengthen the bonds within the community. By incorporating features such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements, these spaces can mitigate flooding risks while beautifying the area. Additionally, creating spaces for recreation, cultural events, and educational programming fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among residents. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce environmental inequities and enhance the community's overall quality of life by providing accessible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces.

  • To ensure the successful implementation of these recommendations, an inclusive and transparent governance structure is essential. A community committee of some kind should be formed, comprising residents, civic leaders, and representatives from local organizations. This committee would work closely with city agencies such as NYC DEP, as well as environmental nonprofits and academic institutions. By maintaining open communication and prioritizing the voices of local stakeholders, this governance model would ensure that the project aligns with the community’s needs and values.
    Other stakeholders include:

    • NY Restoration Project: Gardens for the City

    • CI Beautification Project

    • Friends of Kaiser Park

    • Council member Justin Brannan

    • CI Boardwalk Reconstruction

    • GROW NYC

    • Green infrastructure, NY EDC

  • Engaging the community is crucial for the success of this initiative. Residents, neighborhood associations, school groups, and local businesses all play vital roles in shaping and supporting the project. Youth groups and cultural organizations can further contribute by fostering long-term engagement and ensuring inclusivity in programming. By involving these stakeholders from the very beginning, the project can build trust and enthusiasm, ensuring its durability and relevance.

    To mobilize the community, CINRC and its allies could host public workshops and pilot events, such as planting days or tours of potential green infrastructure sites. These activities could showcase the benefits of the project and also provide tangible opportunities for residents to participate. Social media campaigns and local newsletters can amplify these efforts, keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the process.

    To make these recommendations successful, support from these actors will be essential. Financial resources from grants, sponsorships, or city funding will be necessary to cover the costs of design, implementation, and maintenance. Technical expertise from environmental engineers and urban planners will ensure that the project meets sustainability and resilience standards. Grassroots advocacy and community buy-in are equally important to foster long-term stewardship of these spaces.

    The success of this initiative will depend on mobilizing a range of resources, including human, social, and financial capital. Local volunteers, students, and professionals can contribute time and expertise, while partnerships with schools, cultural organizations, and civic groups will provide invaluable social support. Financial resources can come from grants provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, sponsorships from local businesses, or even crowdfunding efforts. Together, these resources will create a foundation for transforming Kaiser Park and the Coney Island Boardwalk into thriving spaces that enhance both environmental and social well-being.

Read the Full Report
Read the Full Report

Support Long Term Community Resiliency and Intergenerational Bonds through Community Gardening

The map below shows the location of existing community gardens in Coney Island. Each garden will act as a hub for community activity. During the school year the gardens could serve as an educational tool for the schools. Revitalizing the gardens would provide the educational enrichment the community has been asking for. If and when community capacity grows, the creation of a jr. Friends of Kaiser park friends would provide a mechanism for youth-led stewardship. These junior stewards would use science curriculum enrichment developed in the Environmental Education recommendation, and to grow seagrass to support the living shoreline for the revitalization of Kaiser Park.

The YMCA is located next to the Multicultural garden. In the multicultural garden, the community could grow spices and herbs that are culturally relevant. Connections could be fostered by facilitating a recipe exchange.

The Santos White Community Garden is close to the public library so it would make a good meeting place for the garden's stewards. In this garden they could grow flowers, tea, and a dye garden. This would provide the library with new engagement opportunities and draw more children to the space.

Figure: Locations of Existing Community Gardens in Coney Island

  • This set of recommendations would address a number of concerns that were raised by community members, including:

    • Lack of youth spaces and opportunities 

    • Lack of long term framework for community resilience

    • Want for consistent community engagement 

  • Activating and sustaining the garden initiative will depend on meaningful community engagement at every stage. Residents, neighborhood partners, schools, and local institutions all play essential roles in shaping the space and ensuring its long-term success. Workforce programs like the NYC Parks Opportunity Program (POP) can further strengthen this ecosystem by creating accessible employment pathways tied directly to garden stewardship. By involving these stakeholders early, the initiative builds trust, shared ownership, and lasting relevance within the Coney Island community.

    To mobilize participation, CINRC and its partners can host public-facing events such as Community Care Days, planting workshops, and seasonal harvest gatherings. These moments not only activate the space but also create opportunities for residents to contribute knowledge and skills. Partnerships with local institutions can support cultural exchange programming where participants share recipes, herbal knowledge, and practices that center full-plant use. Ongoing communication through social media, newsletters, and on-site storytelling will help maintain visibility and engagement.

    Ensuring the success of this initiative will require coordinated support across multiple fronts. Financial resources—from grants, sponsorships, and public funding—are critical to cover implementation, maintenance, and program development. Equally important is the documentation of ongoing work, which strengthens future funding applications while reinforcing volunteer retention. Technical guidance from urban agriculture practitioners and planners will support the development of sustainable systems, including composting infrastructure that advances the garden toward long-term self-reliance.

    The long-term impact of this initiative is rooted in its ability to mobilize human, social, and financial capital in tandem. Residents, volunteers, and program participants contribute labor and lived expertise, while partnerships with schools and community organizations provide spaces for education and exchange. Over time, the garden becomes more than a site of cultivation—it evolves into a platform for workforce development, skill-building, and community leadership, forming a resilient, community-led framework that addresses food insecurity while cultivating pride, stewardship, and opportunity across Coney Island.

Read the Full Report
Read the Full Report