As it stands there are so few things that are uniquely geographic specific. Growing up in Philadelphia I watched as many developed a NYC complex. Because Philly is a big city in it own right (pop of 2 mil) it is hard to sell as different from the city 90 miles away. Once I moved to Brooklyn I thought I wouldn't have to deal with that, but of course that is not the case. For whatever reason retailers want in and they want move out what makes the City gritty - makes the city Gotham. Coney Island seems to have been one of those distinctly NYC things that have endured...that is until this spring. A developer purchased the famous Astroland and is looking to build beachfront condos and a 'new' amusement scene that riviles Las Vegas (his words not mine). Of course my thought is who would choose to go to a knock-off of Vegas in Brooklyn as versus going to Vegas --- or Atlantic City. I don't think there is an individual in the US who whould rather go to see the Statue of Liberty replica in Vegas as versus a trip to NYC to see her firsthand. While it maybe an accurate replica it is not the same thing, and as someone who saw the 'twin' statue of liberty while in Paris it is a beyond disappointing experience. The 'charm' of Astroland was that it was a throwback with nods to the modern. Teenagers could be found on dates hanging around the putt putt course while new york rap blasted from the bumper car arena. Muslim girls could be spotted on the beach with headdress intact, while latino's fished from the nearby piers. Unfortunately those who will by the condos, will be doing so with the old notion of Coney Island and will probably find the new experience disappointing....