Coney’s Cyclone up for grabs after long-time operator bails

The family that has operated the famed Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island for 34 years is hanging up its hat, according to the Brooklyn Paper. Carol Albert, whose family has managed the coaster since the mid-1970s, said that rapidly increasing costs have forced her to lay off employees and close up shop. The city Parks Department said it plans to seek bids to operate the 83-year-old ride, with its future ownership in jeopardy. “A refurbished Cyclone will be open this summer,” the Parks Department said in a statement. “It has to open a little later than normal so the work can be completed.” The current owner of Luna Park, Central Amusements International, is a possible contender to operate the roller coaster, although a spokesperson from the company said it’s “too early to tell” whether they will take on the job. [Brooklyn Eagle]