the rix mix

Astroland makes the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights look like some high-end carnival in Short Hills. Like your opinion of Asbury Park's Tillie, I never understood the charm of the place. Astroland was crowded, dirty and, at times, unnerving, but on my only trip there in 2003, the crowds were genuinely having a good time. I rode the Cyclone that day and I can honestly say that it scared the bejeezus outta me, mainly because the ride was so rickety that I felt as if I would be tossed to my death a dozen times. But I'd ride it again in a heartbeat.
 

There's two types of Coney Island "preservationists." One type accepts that there has to be heavy redevelopment using the Cyclone & Nathan's etc. as "museum" showpieces. but resists the gigantic projects that would remake Coney Island from the sand up. The other type loves the seedy, rundown Coney Island, because that's all they've ever known of the place. If the family owners of Astroland had had even a modest vision for the small park over the past two decades, it would be easier to make case for saving it. The Cyclone is on city property, so it's safe.