Thor's Coney Island Flea Market Do-Over Will Have "Upscale Retail"

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Turns out the rumors were true: Coney Island really is getting another flea market from developer Joe Sitt's Thor Equities. Back in 2009, Thor tried and failed to organize a successful market on its Stillwell Avenue lots. Now, they're giving it another go with the BK Festival, which will kick off May 15. According to the Post, the festival will feature

carnival acts, games, food booths, inflatable bounce houses and about 120 retail vendors that operated at the now-defunct Aqueduct Flea Market in Queens.

Despite the lure of bouncy castles, locals sound skeptical—possibly because Thor didn't come through with the 25 rides they promised in 2009. Some residents would also rather see the property used for winter-time money generators like movie theaters and restaurants, rather than for a market that will close come October.

Thor has hired the same people who ran the Aqueduct Flea to manage the proceedings, and they promise a total turnabout from 2009. Says the company director: "We'll have upscale retail and there won't be any second-hand clothes."
· Aqueduct Flea Vendors Close to Deal in Coney Island [Amusing the Zillion]
· Thor Equities tries a new outdoor flea market this May [New York Post]
· Coney Island's Outdoor Market: Not Exactly the Brooklyn Flea [Racked NY]

Stillwell Avenue and Surf Avenue Brooklyn NY