Coney boardwalk vendors fear getting booted

alternate text“The Freak” and Coney Island

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Eleven of Coney Island’s longtime boardwalk businesses — including “Shoot the Freak” and Ruby’s Bar — have been served notices asking them to prove why their leases should be renewed for next summer or risk being ousted, the Post reported. The notices, which demand new business models from each of the owners by Aug. 31, were delivered by Central Amusement International, the New Jersey subsidiary of Italian amusement park operator Zamperla, which runs the new Luna Park in Coney Island. Those who miss the deadline “will be considered… not interested” in returning to Coney Island next summer, the letter says. Next summer, Zamperla plans to open a “Scream Zone” with two roller coasters and other rides on an empty Stillwell Avenue lot it leased from the city. Still, a Zamperla spokesperson said the company is not attempting to “clear house.” [Post]