NEW YORK, NY July 01, 2009 —It's going to be a long haul. One of Mayor Bloomberg's more controversial rezoning plans goes before the City Council for a public hearing today.

The Bloomberg administration wants to rezone about 20 blocks of the Coney Island waterfront to allow apartment towers and hotels as high as 27 stories. The plan also calls for a city-owned amusement park in one section that would replace the assortment of rides that are currently there. City officials are reserving the use of eminent domain to acquire the property if necessary.

The Cyclone Roller Coaster and Wonder Wheel are protected by landmark status and would remain.

The City Council's Zoning and Franchises subcommittee will hear testimony beginning at 10 this morning. A full Council vote is due by August 7.