Spring 2008 – Comet to go…. Condos to come…
Comet to be torn down Spring of 2008,
Construction of Condos to begin soon
In the past, many threats have surfaced to tear down the park, put in a Stop and Shop, Walmarts, and more. This time however, the threat is real and is soon to be underway. As most of you know by now, Midway Realty LLC has plans 2-3 years in the making to demolish what is left of Lincoln Park and construct “The Villages at Lincoln Park,” including affordable housing units, regular condos, and some commercial sections. They have been delayed in their plans many times due to certain situations, however now they are finally getting underway with their plans. After countless approval meetings by the town and state, they have just about gotten the go ahead to start construction.
According to local sources, the demolition team has already taken out most of the vegetation that has grown wild through the park for 20 years. They have also torn out most of the cracked parking lot. According to a story published by SouthCoastToday on January 22nd by Curt Brown, “The Comet roller coaster, the centerpiece of the former amusement park, could be demolished in late spring or early summer, Mr. Williams said.”
The development team is hopeful for final approval of their project on February 5th when another approval meeting is scheduled, however some are skeptical if they will get their approval here. Apparently, the team still has some drainage/septic details to work out as well as traffic going to and from the Villages. It should be interesting how they route the traffic in and out of the area, as State Road is very busy as it is. I’m trying my hardest to get in touch with planners for the project. I want to be informed of the definitive date and time of the destruction of the Comet as it needs to be videotaped! I’d have no problem driving 40 minutes down from the Cape to tape that. I will keep you updated on any new dates/info I come across. As always, thanks for stopping by my site.
You can see the full article on construction plans and current affairs in the development of the condos Here: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080122/NEWS/801220320
Tags: News
April 11th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Sad days ahead ;(
July 6th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I had the great pleasuse of working at Lincoln Park in the early 70’s. My boss’ name was Slim McConnel, I think. I worked the BB guns with the red paper star to shoot out. Funny, pretty girls always seemed to be the best shots. I rode the Comet a few times a week. I remember fondly coming in to work the evening and walking under her listening to her working her magic on countless patrons. I never got bored with riding the Comet. No matter how many times you rode her you couldn’t avoid getting slammed against the sides or your co-rider. Fun times indeed.
What a shame to see her “becoming” the Village at Lincoln Park. Ten units of affordable housing with two hundred units at full price. Shops to buy “memories” that won’t last out the day. My memories of her are as vivid today as they were 35 years ago. Getting to work with the top down and hearing the first ride go by. Hearing her clackity clack roar every 3 minutes or so. Noticing her silence from across the park and wondering what was wrong. Usually it was a rider who couldn’t handle her. As a little kid in the 60’s anticipating/dreading the day I was big enough to ride. The first ride where her 65 feet might as well have been 650 feet. Lord, was it only 65 feet?
I hope the people who live in this village hear, off in the distance on hot summer nights, a clacking noise followed by screams that disappear in the wind. Maybe they won’t even know what it is? But we will. Just the “Comet” folks. Going for one more ride.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Just looked at her today, July 8, 08. Looks like construction has paused and the Comet is still standing. Sort of. I would love to hear of any open house day to tour the park one last time as mentioned on another site.