Who we are
The Coney Island Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation is a not-for-profit organization formed in January 2023 by long-time Coney Island residents who seek to revitalize their community through wide-ranging initiatives and services including economic empowerment. As a historically marginalized and economically distressed neighborhood in southern Brooklyn, Coney Island has experienced geographic isolation, disinvestment and chronic unemployment higher than citywide rates. As a resident-led organization, the corporation will help ensure that economic projects, programs and policies across the peninsula benefit the people of Coney Island.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of Coney Island residents by implementing a range of community revitalization initiatives and services. We seek to empower underserved families and individuals by providing access to an array of resources and tools for economic mobility, financial and civic literacies. The organization is committed to ensuring that local residents have a voice in local matters affecting daily life in the community.
We envision a Coney Island where all residents are heard and are a part of the decision making.
Our History
On December 7, 2022, former Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus convened a meeting with community leaders to discuss some of Coney Island’s pressing needs. A group of 25 residents formed a working group that came up with the name and purpose of the organization. Since then, we are proud to have served over 3,000 Coney Island residents. Dr. Mathylde Frontus served as the Interim Executive Director for the organization from January 1, 2023 to August 14, 2024.
Board of Directors
Chairperson
Astrudge McLean
Astrudge McLean has been a longtime resident of Coney Island for 40 years. She is self-employed and works in talent logistics for major television production companies. Additionally, she is the director of the NYC Horror Film Virtual Festival (NYCHFF). An NYU graduate, Astrudge has a long record of community involvement in Coney Island. Her involvement began when she worked at Astella Development Corporation as a Commercial Liaison, managing a micro loan program to help merchants revitalize their storefronts and sourcing business partners willing to invest in the community. She was also responsible for reestablishing the Coney Island's Board of Trade, which had over 50 members. Astrudge was a Mayoral appointee to the Coney Island Development Corporation (C.I.D.C), which was responsible for advocating for the redevelopment of the Coney Island amusement area, repairing some of the infrastructure, and recognizing the community needs of the West End Coney Island.
Vice Chair
Yvonne Mayo
Born and raised in Coney Island, Yvonne Mayo has been living in the community for over 40 years. She is employed as a School Counselor with the New York City Department of Education and is participating in the critically, conscious educators rising program with the Steinhardt school of education at NYU, which focuses on equity and educational settings. Yvonne is active in her homeowners block association and is on the steering committee of the Seaside Independent Democrats.
Treasurer
Sharaya Means
Sharaya Means was born and raised in Coney Island and has been living in the community for almost 40 years. She is a Certified Kemetic Yoga Instructor, employed by Lifestyle Performance Gym. She is involved in many community improvement initiatives, including the Local Pressure Collective which she co- Founded in 2020 with a childhood friend. The organization organized the first annual Juneteenth celebration for the Coney Island community.
Board Member
Ann Valdez
Ann Valdez was born and raised in Coney Island and has been living in the community for over 50 years. She is a well-known community organizer for NYCHA tenant rights. She serves as the co-Chair for the Coney Islanders for an Ocean Side Ferry and is involved with United Front Against Displacement. Over the years, she’s worked as a housing organizer for Community Voices Heard, as a clerk for the Taxi and Limousine Commission and as a calculation clerk for the Queensborough Correctional Facility. She also conducted data entry for the Brooklyn Veterans Administration.
Board Member
Dr. Mathylde Frontus
Dr. Mathylde Frontus is a 40-year resident of Coney Island. She initiated the original convening that led to the formation of CINRC and served as the Interim Executive Director from January 2023 to August 2024. Mathylde is the founder of multiple nonprofit organizations and civic groups and is a well-known community activist. She recently served as the New York State Assemblywoman for the 46th District (2018-2022), which included Coney Island and other neighboring communities. Mathylde is a proud graduate of NYU and Columbia University and is honored to teach at both of her alma maters as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.
Meet the Team
Volunteer
Jeanny Hernandez
Jeanny Hernandez has lived on Coney Island for almost 25 years. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Rights at John Jay College on Criminal Justice at CUNY after previously earning a BA in Forensic Psychology and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Jeanny previously worked as a community health worker at Make the Road New York and the NYU Grossman Schol of Medicine. She is very passionate about community involvement and community organizing.
Volunteer
Lina Noel
Lina Noel is a life-long Brooklynite who lived on Coney Island for over 30 years before moving to Queens with her family. She graduated with honors from Edward R. Murrow High School and later attended Andrews University, Staten Island University and BMCC (CUNY). She’s a small business owner in the health and wellness arena and has worked with several organizations to bring forth change and progressive solutions within the community.