The Bloomberg administration announced its planning to solicit proposals from amusement operators to run the world-famous Cyclone rollercoaster. Carol Hill Albert has agreed to let the city put the lease on the open market because it is to only way to make necessary upgrades to keep her business afloat and she is losing money under current conditions of the existing lease that expires in five years but she plans to bid on a new lease. Albert ran Astroland Park before closing in 2008 which helped subsidize running the Cyclone. Without Astroland necessary changes like adding a food-and-drink stand are needed to keep the Cyclone afloat. I was told that the only way that could happen is through a new lease that would be open to anyone to bid on, Albert said. The proposals to the city are expected to include a better ticketing system, a new entrance on W. 10th Street, open longer hours, an extended season, possibly adding a merchandise/snack bar, an improved marketing plan and upgrades to area lighting/fencing.
