Statement on CSO/MEMI’s Announcement of Purchase of Coney Island

On December 14, 2023, it was announced that Coney Island, a fixture in both the City of Cincinnati and Anderson Township for more than 100 years, will be closing at the end of the year. Anderson Township officials learned of the announcement by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and Music & Event Management, Inc. (MEMI) just minutes before the news was released to the public. Township officials were not aware of or part of any discussions related to the sale of Coney Island, nor MEMI’s vision for the future of this property.

Anderson Township has provided significant investment in its Riverfront Entertainment District on Kellogg Avenue, including the ongoing multi-million dollar reconstruction to the gateways to this district in the township and the City of Cincinnati. This investment is the product of thousands of hours spent communicating with stakeholders in the area over the last decade, including Coney Island and Riverbend. 

Given said investment, the Board of Township Trustees expects to have meaningful discussion with CSO leadership soon to learn about the detailed plans for the former Coney Island site and how such plans will impact the Anderson community. Once those conversations have occurred and more information is shared, township officials will be able to comment further.

* Photo taken by Anderson Township, June 23, 2022