Coney Island's New York Aquarium, which was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, will partially reopen in late spring, the Wildlife Conservation Society announced. A specific date has not been set.
Glover's Reef exhibits in Main Hall, outdoor spaces of Sea Cliffs that house the walrus, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters and penguins, and a remodeled Aquatheater with a new sea lion demonstration will open, the WCS said. Education programs will resume on a limited basis.
"The New York Aquarium has been an important part of the economic, cultural, educational and scientific community of Brooklyn since 1957," said Cristián Samper, the president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "We know all efforts to reopen the New York Aquarium are vital to the rebirth of Coney Island. This partial reopening will ensure that the aquarium can help all of New York City experience a strong comeback from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy."
When Superstorm Sandy slammed the tristate on Oct. 29, 2012, the historic storm surge rushed passed the Coney Island boardwalk and flooded all buildings at the 14-acre aquarium, significantly damaging the heating, air conditioning, electrical power and distribution equipment, and aquatic life support systems, according to the WCS.
Most of the aquarium's creatures survived, but some fish and invertebrates housed in a few tanks died.
The price tag to fully restore the site is still unclear, but the society's rough estimate is about $65 million.
"Many New York families and institutions were devastated by Hurricane Sandy," Samper said. "WCS is proud to be a part of the comeback spirit of our great City of New York."
Monday, June 17 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:03:08 GMT
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tried to limit the size of soda consumption, ban smoking in parks, encourage bike riding and now there"s another possible plan on the table: mandate recycling of food waste.
West Side resident Matt Murphy has stored a pail of leftovers on his floor for the last two months. His building is part of the city's food-recycling pilot program. Mayor Bloomberg wants to expand the program citywide.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:21:23 GMT
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
Related Companies, a major landlord across the country, is banning smoking in all of its apartments. The new rule is meant to create healthier living conditions, according to company officials.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:02 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:02:34 GMT
Two New York City Council committees are holding a hearing on glitches to the city's emergency 911 system that at times have forced phone operators to resort to pen and paper.
Two New York City Council committees are holding a hearing on glitches to the city's emergency 911 system that at times have forced phone operators to resort to pen and paper.
Sunday, June 16 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-17 00:46:40 GMT
Police say a man was shot and killed in front of a Brooklyn apartment building early Sunday morning. Officers found 24-year-old Keith Anthony with a gunshot wound to his torso in front of 518 East 51st Street around 2:45 a.m. EMS took Anthony to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say they have made no arrests and their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Police say a man was shot and killed in front of a Brooklyn apartment building early Sunday morning. Officers found 24-year-old Keith Anthony with a gunshot wound to his torso in front of 518 East 51st Street around 2:45 a.m. EMS took Anthony to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say they have made no arrests and their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Saturday, June 15 2013 11:19 PM EDT2013-06-16 03:19:15 GMT
Many talented young women displayed their moves for a chance to join the Brooklynettes Dance Team for the hometown Nets on Saturday. The auditions took place at the LIU-Brooklyn campus. Contestants had to be at least 18 years old with at least eight years of technical dance training. Dancers who were able to make the cut will be invited to a call back audition on Sunday and that audition will be taught by renowned choreographer Rhapsody James. James has choreographed for Beyonce, ...
Many talented young women displayed their moves for a chance to join the Brooklynettes Dance Team for the hometown Nets on Saturday. The auditions took place at the LIU-Brooklyn campus. Contestants had to be at least 18 years old with at least eight years of technical dance training. Dancers who were able to make the cut will be invited to a call back audition on Sunday and that audition will be taught by renowned choreographer Rhapsody James. James has choreographed for Beyonce, ...
Saturday, June 15 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-06-16 01:46:35 GMT
Police are searching for the suspect who robbed a woman before crashing into a home in Brooklyn attempting to drive off with her purse Saturday morning. The suspect held up the woman on Flatbush Avenue and Avenue T and then tried to flee in his white Nissan Maxima. He crashed the vehicle into a home on Beverley Road and Lott Street around 7:15 a.m., according to police.
Police are searching for the suspect who robbed a woman before crashing into a home in Brooklyn attempting to drive off with her purse Saturday morning. The suspect held up the woman on Flatbush Avenue and Avenue T and then tried to flee in his white Nissan Maxima. He crashed the vehicle into a home on Beverley Road and Lott Street around 7:15 a.m., according to police.
Friday, June 14 2013 3:02 PM EDT2013-06-14 19:02:28 GMT
Former state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. will spend five years in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges. A federal judge sentenced Espada on Friday in Brooklyn.
Former state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. will spend five years in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges. A federal judge sentenced Espada on Friday in Brooklyn.
Friday, June 14 2013 10:32 AM EDT2013-06-14 14:32:37 GMT
Brooklyn community advocates are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the killing of a livery cab driver.
Brooklyn community advocates are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in the killing of a livery cab driver.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:42:53 GMT
A line of thunderstorms caused some damage and street flooding in New Jersey on Thursday, but the threat of longer, widespread heavy rain and flooding in the tristate area has diminished.
A line of thunderstorms caused some damage and street flooding in New Jersey on Thursday, but the threat of longer, widespread heavy rain and flooding in the tristate area has diminished.
Thursday, June 13 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-13 22:15:30 GMT
Law enforcement officials nationwide are demanding the creation of a "kill switch" that would render smartphones inoperable after they are stolen, New York's top prosecutor said.
Law enforcement officials nationwide are demanding the creation of a "kill switch" that would render smartphones inoperable after they are stolen, New York's top prosecutor said.
© WCS
