NEW YORK, NY July 02, 2009 —City Council members grilled city officials about their development proposal for Coney Island, especially on their plans to force property owners out. Mayor Bloomberg wants to replace privately-owned amusement parks with a city-owned one. Economic Development Corporation president Seth Pinsky avoided giving direct answers about the use of eminent domain, so Brooklyn councilman Simcha Felder tried to pin him down.

FELDER: I just want you to repeat after me; I'm very serious. I on behalf of the administration or that part you can say will not use eminent domain or condemnation in this project.

REPORTER: Pinsky says the city would use eminent domain if owners decided not to sell. The Council votes on the Coney Island plan later this month.