Revitalization of Mermaid Avenue Commercial Corridor

The Astella Development Corporation (ADC) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve quality of life in Coney Island through commercial and economic development and providing affordable housing. Mermaid Avenue is a key commercial corridor in Coney Island, serving more than 40,000 residents. Before Hurricane Sandy, the corridor was home to 100 businesses with an average vacancy rate of between two and three percent. Sandy’s impact devastated the community, threatening the long-term vitality of the corridor. The ADC commissioned the Capstone team to develop ideas to strengthen and revitalize the Mermaid Avenue commercial corridor. To accurately assess the needs of the community, the team developed and administered extensive consumer and merchant surveys, identifying industries and businesses that would meet resident needs and create a thriving business corridor. In its final report, the team provided a comprehensive retail market analysis and merchant database, recommendations to attract business, and a marketing brochure for potential merchants