Coney Island's Astroland to Shut Down

The iconic Astroland, one of two theme parks on New York’s Coney Island, will close for good on Sunday, the New York Post reports. Owner Carol Albert said she couldn't strike a lease deal with the 46-year-old site's developer and landlord. The park’s historic (and bruising) Cyclone rollercoaster will survive, a bitter victory for summer fun enthusiasts. The developer promises that a new park will be in place by next year.

Astroland, which employs many locals in the summer months, wanted a multiple-year lease to provide security for its workers. The current deal expires at year's end, but Albert says she's shutting down early so she can sell the rides. New Yorkers were perplexed and saddened by the announcement; many thought the slow pace of redevelopment at Coney Island would keep the park open for at least one more year. (More New York City stories.)