Created in September 2003, the Coney Island Development Corp. aims to create a plan to diversify the area. After issuing a Request for Proposals, the group selected Ernst & Young and Davis Brody Bond to create a strategic plan for this Brooklyn neighborhood.

According to Joshua J. Sirefman, CIDC president, the consultants will devise a strategy for implementing short- and long-term improvements. The key aspects of the strategy will be to build on the existing business base, develop vacant property and market the area for a variety of year-round uses. "The team is capable of taking on the challenges of transforming Coney Island into a year-round destination." A full report is expected in the fall.

Other members of the E&Y/DBB team include Halcyon Ltd, retail specialists; Vollmer Associates LLP, engineering and landscape architects; Karin Bacon Events, public space programming; Streetworks, retail developers; and Strategic Leisure, entertainment production development.