Day: December 9, 2025

ACTOR STEVE BUSCEMI has sold his Park Slope townhouse in an off-market deal for just under $5 million, according to The Richest.

The post Steve Buscemi sells Park Slope home appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

A BACKLOG IN SERVICES FOR MILITARY VETERANS AND THE LACK OF ACCESS TO DOCTORS AT THE BROOKLYN VA HOSPITAL were among the topics.

The post Roundtable with VA Affairs Secretary Collins tackles veterans’ needs in 11th Congressional District appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

The iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk is set for a full, end-to-end rebuild after the city secured $1 billion to reconstruct the 2.4-mile Coney Island span, according to a New York City Parks Department presentation shared with Brooklyn Paper.

The project, described as a complete reconstruction “from piles to topside,” will replace the nearly century-old structure’s support system, decking and utilities, while upgrading access points and several adjacent Parks Department buildings. NYC Parks will partner with the city’s Economic Development Corporation on design and construction.

The funding, according to the presentation, was secured by Mayor Eric Adams and Council Member Justin Brannan.

Images included in the presentation depict a boardwalk rebuilt to modern standards, with a consistent width of about 80 feet along most of its stretch from West 37th Street to Brighton 15th Street. The plans call for continuous replacement of piles, decking and infrastructure beneath the surface — a long-anticipated overhaul after years of storm-related damage and costly patchwork repairs.

NYC Parks previously completed a pre-design study to define the project’s technical requirements and outline the scope of work. Design timelines have not yet been released, and construction is still years away, with funding allocated through 2032. 

Brannan, who confirmed the plans, said the project marks a turning point for Coney Island.

“For generations, Coney Island has seen its share of snake oil salesmen promising us the moon but delivering dust. I’ve spent a lot of time sweeping up the shards of broken promises they’ve left behind,” he said. “But the time for hand-wringing, arguing, wishing upon a false star, and kicking the can down the road is over. It’s time to get this done. I thank Mayor Adams for his partnership on this — we’ve worked very hard to get here.”

Brannan added that the project reflects long-term commitments to the neighborhood.

“This is the legacy project Coney Island deserves and the community will be involved every step of the way,” he said. “But the most important part — the funding — has been secured.”

The Riegelmann Boardwalk — officially designated a scenic landmark in 2018 — is one of Brooklyn’s most heavily visited public spaces, serving millions of New Yorkers and tourists each year. It marked its 100th anniversary amid renewed calls for redevelopment following the absence of a formal centennial celebration.

The Parks Department said a formal announcement on the development plans will be released Friday morning.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for more updates.

Bushwick’s Xanadu Roller Arts is taking a full-on trip down the Yellow Brick Road this month, as Vinyl Nights creator Rebecca Lynn transforms the roller rink into an immersive, glitter-drenched homage to “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz” for a one-night-only holiday celebration.

Lynn, who produces monthly roller events, told Brooklyn Paper that the concept is a dream come to life.

“I’m a huge fan [of the movies], and at Xanadu we love dressing up,” she said. “And their whole theme feels so Christmas-like.”

The event — “Rolling to Emerald City! Vinyl Nights Wicked Skate Night with Impala Skate” — will take place Dec. 19 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. The night promises a high-energy mix of disco, funk, soul and old-school classics from DJs Misbehaviour, Operator Emz and DJ Condy Kim, with plenty of built-in surprises.

Lynn is teaming up with Impala Skate, which is supplying signature Wicked-inspired green and pink skates. Guests are encouraged to skate in style: Costumes are not only welcomed but central to the night’s spirit. Two attendees will even win a pair of Impala skates in a costume contest.

The transformation of Xanadu goes beyond outfits. The roller rink’s lighting system will glow in pink and emerald, and Unicorn Snot, a Brooklyn-based glitter cosmetics line, will run a free on-site sparkle station.

A troupe of six to eight performers will skate throughout the night in elaborate themed looks. Many are pole dancers who will perform on skates in full Wicked costumes, Lynn said.

For Lynn, the night is not just a party but a celebration of Oz’s enduring cultural power — and of the women who inhabit it.

“I really find this a true women’s empowerment event,” Lynn said. “It’s all witches. North, South, East and West, I’m calling everyone.”

Santa Claus will also make an appearance — on roller skates, of course — for festive holiday photos. That cross-holiday mashup was intentional, Lynn said, meant to “fuse the Christmas and Oz magic.”

What she hopes most is that fans of “Wicked” and Oz lore show up ready for something they can’t experience anywhere else.

“If you love roller skating, even if you don’t, and are a huge fan of the movies, this is the only event of its kind. There’s no one else in the world that’s doing this themed roller skating party for Christmas.”

Tickets for “Rolling to Emerald City!” start at $27 and can be purchased online. The roller rink is located at 37 Franklin Ave. in Bushwick. For more information, visit xanaduarts.com.