Coney Island had its best summer in 46 years, so they say. The rezoning of the beachfront has spurred plans for greater future amusement, and the opening of Luna Park was a success. And although Lynn Kelly, vice prez of the Economic Development Corp. has left one island for another (Staten), there shouldn’t be too many wet cheeks over it. The rivalry between private and public development has reached mediation, and next summer should be even better than this one. But still, why is Coney Island so sad?

Part of it has to do with the off-season and the high rents. If the rides were open during the winter, the way they used to be, maybe all the crowds wouldn’t stay away, and we’d still be able to retain a sense of nostalgia while looking at empty wind-swept boardwalks. Although now many of the famed establishments – Shoot the Freak, Ruby’s, Gregory & Paul’s – are gone after leaving yesterday, in their place will be a couple of new restaurants and a sports bar. While the L Magazine laments this situation, is it really that bad? I mean sure Coney Island is about nostalgia and all – right now – but just down the boardwalk, Brighton Beach bustles with excitement, and people, largely due to the ethnic nature of the surrounding community.

Maybe a little bit of newness is exactly what Coney Island needs to bring the crowds back, not just to the boardwalk, but to the neighborhood. Let’s call it re-gentrification.