Coney Island rides being taken down (pics) (to Australia?)

“We don’t know about all this talk about the city negotiating with developer Joe Sitt to buy his land, incuding Astroland, in the heart of Coney Island’s amusement district. What we do know for sure is that the amusement park is being dismantled. There are many photos and much discussion on the Coney Island Message Board and rumors that the rides may be sold to an amusement park in Australia. As one Coney insider told us, “when the 300 foot crane shows up to take down the Astrotower, you’ll know for sure that it’s over.” The rides are being put in shipping containers. Both the city and Mr. Sitt have said rides will operate on the property next year.” [Curbed]

Photo courtesy of Deborah Matlack (via ConeyIsland.com) (via Curbed).

In other news, Asbury Park is on the up and up.

Video of Coney Island in 1940 below…