Coney Island’s swaying Astrotower was dismantled yesterday — and so were hundreds of thousands of dollars in anticipated profits for merchants on the fabled boardwalk’s busiest day of the year.
Business owners said they watched in horror as profits plunged steeper than a ride on the Cyclone roller coaster — up to 50 percent, some estimated — after the city shut down Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park Tuesday afternoon in fear that the Astrotower was swaying so hard that it could topple.
Both parks remained closed until 3 p.m. yesterday — after demolition crews removed 53 feet, some 44,000 pounds of steel, from the formerly futuristic observation tower that once stood 275-feet-high at the old Astroland Park.
The process ended hours after the conclusion of Nathan’s hot-dog-eating contest — which helps draw massive holiday crowds to Brooklyn’s famous beach and amusement strip.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking. It’s crazy that this happens right before the Fourth of July,” said Dianna Carlin, owner of Lola Star boutique, who estimated losing 50 percent of her profits.
“Can’t Coney Island get a break?” she added, referring to the hardships imposed by Hurricane Sandy.
Dennis Vourderis, co-owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, breathed a sigh of relief after finally getting the green light to reopen.
“I thought I saw everything in 43 years in Coney Island when I went through Sandy last year, but to be closed two days during the July Fourth holiday week is something I’d never expect,” he said. “Thank God we are back open. It’s about time.”
Vourderis, chairman of the Alliance for Coney Island, estimates a 30 percent loss in his holiday-week profits.
Democratic Councilman Domenic Recchia Jr., who represents the area, said, “It’s a sad day, but safety has to come first.”
Demolition crews were expected to return late last night to continue dismantling the Astrotower — the pieces will be trucked to a local scrapyard — although the parks can remain open since there is no longer a safety threat.