The FAMOUS ELDORADO IS BEING SOLD!

[scott fitlin]

Just want to let everyone know, The Eldorado is going to be sold to Thor Equities. I made this decision about 1 year ago, as with mom and dad no longer coming to Brooklyn, NY, it is just too much work for one person. THAT'S ALL.

[hjames]

Just want to let everyone know, The Eldorado is going to be sold to Thor Equities. I made this decision about 1 year ago, as with mom and dad no longer coming to Brooklyn, NY, it is just too much work for one person.

THAT'S ALL.

Sorry to hear this, but it sounds like you've made peace with the decision.
Has the last open business day occurred yet?

[Doc Mark]

Good Morning, Scotty,

Well, as the old songs refrain goes, "everything must change....". Sorry to hear it, though. I know that the El was a real part of your life for a very long time, and that you will very likely miss it, once it's not in your life anymore. However, you may well find that you don't miss it as much as you thought you might. Such a venue requires much of a person, and the work load must be extremely heavy!! So, take your time and find something fun that really trips your trigger, and move on to another fine adventure, as has been the El Dorado! Well done, my Friend, and best of luck on all of your future adventures!! I only wish I had been able to visit whilst you were still at the controls of the El, to see the place for myself!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

[Titanium Dome]

So what's next for DJ Scotty?

[mikebake]

That's a pretty big decision! Like Dome said, now what?

[BMWCCA]

Scotty,

I'm saddened by the news. I'm assuming you're selling to the development agency and this means dismantling of the Scootercars and loss of that section of Coney Island to condos. Correct?

Any plans for selling off memormabilia from the art-deco icon?

Did my NYC daughter miss her chance to visit the ride??

I'm sad for you but realize you must have made a rational decision. Good Luck.

[Hoerninger]

Scotty,

al the best for your future!
You are young, artn't you?
____________
Peter

[jbl]

Good luck, Scott. So goes Coney Island (what's left of it).
I think you got out at the right time.

[mikebake]

What about the sound system??

[scott fitlin]

Yes I am young, 47, but mom and dad got old. And right before my eyes, too. They do not want to come up to NY anymore. I just cannot run this building alone.

[scott fitlin]

What about the sound system??The system is mine.

[robertbartsch]

In my younger years, I went fishing often from party boats on Coney Island.

...apparently, that is all changed now.


Good luck Scotty!

...make sure you seek competent tax advice on the transaction.

[scott fitlin]

In my younger years, I went fishing often from party boats on Coney Island.

...apparently, that is all changed now.


Good luck Scotty!

...make sure you seek competent tax advice on the transaction.My dad is sharp.

Thanks for your advice.

[scott fitlin]

That's a pretty big decision! Like Dome said, now what?Mid size dance club.

[scott fitlin]

Scotty,

I'm saddened by the news. I'm assuming you're selling to the development agency and this means dismantling of the Scootercars and loss of that section of Coney Island to condos. Correct?

Any plans for selling off memormabilia from the art-deco icon?

Did my NYC daughter miss her chance to visit the ride??

I'm sad for you but realize you must have made a rational decision. Good Luck.Your daughter can still come to The Eldorado. We have a year, maybe 2, in the building.

We will sell off whatever is clever.

THINGS CHANGE, and it is what it is!

[Donald]

Scott,

Is the place documented in photos somewhere?

[Rusnzha]

Too bad, but you’re doing what you need to do. :blah: There isn’t much of Coney Island left, what will happen to the location after you move? Best of luck with the next phase. I bet the next room you move into should be a lot easier to tune.

[Titanium Dome]

Mid size dance club.

That's what I wanted to hear!

:dj-party:

[scott fitlin]

That's what I wanted to hear!

:dj-party:I have always wanted to build a room. And nowI will.

Dome I say this, and you may already understand, I WILL SPIN DANCE MUSIC TILL THE DAY I DIE! It is just who and what I am. That I have special gift for building a special sound and playing music keeps me young.

Always will.

[scott fitlin]

Too bad, but you’re doing what you need to do. :blah: There isn’t much of Coney Island left, what will happen to the location after you move? Best of luck with the next phase. I bet the next room you move into should be a lot easier to tune.
Hi Rush, you know what? Besides that meeting you and your wife was great, I will tell the secrets of THE ELDORADO!

It is in fact the imperfections and technical no-no,s that made my room sound soooo special.

When your wife, and you, said you had never heard the type of music I play sound correct, well, this told me I'm right. The fact is, you did.

Not only that, but, hey, you guys are older than me, too.

[robertbartsch]

Selling a family business is always tuff.

This happened to me 30 years ago and it broke up the family; hope your situation does not....

Are you plannning to move out of NY? Real estate and income taxes here are bad and we will move as soon as I retire at 55.

[scott fitlin]

Selling a family business is always tuff.

This happened to me 30 years ago and it broke up the family; hope your situation does not....

Are you plannning to move out of NY? Real estate and income taxes here are bad and we will move as soon as I retire at 55.yes TO ALL THE ABOVE

[scott fitlin]

anybody else?

[scott fitlin]

Sorry to hear this, but it sounds like you've made peace with the decision.
Has the last open business day occurred yet?
Nope, not yet.

Closed for winter, 2009, but I got 1 or 2 more years.

Don't be sorry, Heather, I made the decision.

[BMWCCA]

I vote for a 2010 East Coast Lansing Heritage Listening party at . . . Coney Island! :applaud:

[Doc Mark]

I vote for a 2010 East Coast Lansing Heritage Listening party at . . . Coney Island! :applaud:

Oh, My!! That DOES sound enticing!! If such a thing were planned, and if we could work it into our work schedule, we'd be there!! :applaud::D:applaud: Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc and Sweet Bride

[opimax]

I visited once, it was so loud but so clear!!

I would go back for a last JBL meeting there!!!

Mark

[timc]

I'm sorry to hear you are closing Scott. It have been fun to follow the development of your club.

Maybe i have to come to the US for that meeting.....

But glad to hear that your JBL/TAD++ system will keep on rocking :D



-Tim

[Fred Sanford]

I vote for a 2010 East Coast Lansing Heritage Listening party at . . . Coney Island! :applaud:

That I can get behind. Somebody bring a BMW badge for Phil's bumper car...

je

[BMWCCA]

Somebody bring a BMW badge for Phil's bumper car...I always carry a few spares for rental cars. ;)

[Titanium Dome]

Man, I'd love to make that trek.

[Fred Sanford]

Man, I'd love to make that trek.

Do it. We can reserve a bumper car with a Maserati coachworks interior for you.

je (desperately hoping that his memory hasn't failed him, and that TD is the guy with the Chrysler TC, and that this post is then at least mildly funny)

[opimax]

You are correct on the first part not as sure on the second part ;)

Mark

[Titanium Dome]

Do it. We can reserve a bumper car with a Maserati coachworks interior for you.

je

Ah, that glove-soft Pasubio leather.

:hmm: I wonder why they don't wrap speakers in fine leather instead of wood veneer?

(Yes, that would be me in the red TC, fondly known as Beatrice.) :drive:

[robertbartsch]

It would be a long drive for me; perhaps 40 miles or so.

I think I may be able to make it, however.

So Scotty, what happened to the fishing boats at Coney; I heard they are now gambling boats competing with Atlantic City?

[badman]

Ah, that glove-soft Pasubio leather.

:hmm: I wonder why they don't wrap speakers in fine leather instead of wood veneer?

(Yes, that would be me in the red TC, fondly known as Beatrice.) :drive:

Every once in a while, you see leather speakers. Part of the challenge is speakers tend to be hard boxes and leather likes soft contours. When it's done (well) it's a very lovely finish for a loudspeaker.

[hjames]

Knew I'd seen it before - try this thread for Pictures: http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=12195 (http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=12195&highlight=Eldorado)

http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=18399&stc=1&d=1157935746


Here's a picture I found in a Joe Strummer biography - ...
http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=33293&stc=1&d=1216340898

[scott fitlin]

I don't know how many of you heard the news about Coney island today. BUT, CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE COMING BACK, and my family has NOT inked a deal for our place, and TODAY AIN'T THE DAY TO SELL ELDORADO!

I have been quiet for quite some time, and today is a GREAT DAY! :bouncy:

I hope everyone here is having a great day too.

[allen mueller]

Congratulations on the great news. Any links on the internet where we can find the story.

Allen

[scott fitlin]

www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/5/33_05_ac_coney_interim.html

:applaud:

[Titanium Dome]

Best news all day!

[scott fitlin]

Best news all day!JBL,s will BE POUNDING IT OUT THIS SEASON!

SIMON BAR SINNISTER SAYS,



DANCE, AND BUMP YOUR ASSSSSS OFFFFFFFF

:thmbsup:

[Punch]

Good for you! Congrats...

[Fred Sanford]

www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/5/33_05_ac_coney_interim.html (http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/5/33_05_ac_coney_interim.html)

:applaud:

That's great news! I thought I'd missed my chance to bump my ass off one more time...I'm looking forward to experiencing it again.

je

[duaneage]

I think I found the place to take the wife and kid for a weekend. I even have a place to stay at in Dobbs Ferry so we don't have to drive back home

[scott fitlin]

I think I found the place to take the wife and kid for a weekend. I even have a place to stay at in Dobbs Ferry so we don't have to drive back homeYES, you most certainly do. The NEW park on the site where Astroland once stood, will be operational this summer, and there is supposed to be amusements coming in around my area as well.

The City Of New York is inking a TEN YEAR lease with Zamperla for the Astroland site, with the promise of much more to come. So, IMO, Coneys future should be a solid foundation, with growth potential, and longevity.

Yesterday afternoon was sunny and mild, and all of a sudden, people walking about, inquiring if there is space to lease, which of course, there is.

I slept for a few hours, woke up, excited all over again, can't fall back to sleep, so much to say, don't know where to really begin.

For now, IT LOOKS GREAT, SHOULD BE A FUN SUMMER SEASON, AND FORUM MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT THE ELDORADO!


ELDORADO AUTO SKOOTER
Scott Fitlin
1216 Surf Av
Brooklyn, NY
11224

!JBL
:D

[SMKSoundPro]

Outstanding news scottyj!

Keep us posted on the progress~!

Scottyk.

[scott fitlin]

I was just talking to my neighbor, and a few other people outside, EVERYONE is happy, THE SUN IS SHINING!



:dj-party:

[Krunchy]

CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARKS ARE COMING BACK, and my family has NOT inked a deal for our place, and TODAY AIN'T THE DAY TO SELL ELDORADO!

I have been quiet for quite some time, and today is a GREAT DAY! :bouncy:

I hope everyone here is having a great day too.

That is great news Scotty :applaud::bouncy:, (I just came across this thread, sorry Im a little late but been real busy lately).
Man that just made my day, I'm sick of hearing bad news.


I vote for a 2010 East Coast Lansing Heritage Listening party at . . . Coney Island! :applaud:
I still think this is a great idea, and with the latest news I think its even more of a good reason to have that 2010 East Coast Lansing Heritage Listening party at Coney Island (I've been wanting to visit Scotty for a while now & it would be a great locale & certainly a lot of fun.
We should probably start planing all the logistics right about now this way maybe some of our european & west coast members could make arrangements to attend.

Scotty what time of the year do you think something like this would be most suitable for you?

I'll wait to hear from Scotty, maybe a separate thread should be devoted for this monumental event :)

[neanderthal]

JBL,s will BE POUNDING IT OUT THIS SEASON!

SIMON BAR SINNISTER SAYS,



DANCE, AND BUMP YOUR ASSSSSS OFFFFFFFF



:thmbsup:


Simon Barsinnister..That's funny Ha Ha Ha

[Rusnzha]

Hey Scotty, that is great news. I really hated seeing Coney Island turn into condiminiums. It's such good news that the place will be making a comeback. I remember the smiles on everyone's face as soon as they walked in there and heard the music. No matter what wild and wonderful things come along, Eldorado will always be one of the top attractions. Bumping your ass off is good, Rock on!

[opimax]

I visited once and glad I will get to go again.

Do you have a copy of "Happy Days Are Here Again!" you can blast away? :applaud:

Mark

[hjames]

Guy in another forum was talking about Coney Island so I thought of Scott - did the google thing and found this info:


http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/brooklyn/coney_famous_eldorado_bumper_cars_oOZj5iQT5Jqk5fnE PshKgM
6:43 AM, April 15, 2012 ι By RICH CALDER (http://www.nypost.com/columnists/)



A beloved Disco bumper-car ride in Coney Island that frequently attracted A-listers like Liza Minnelli will be back this summer for what could be a final spin.
Local developer Joe Sitt, who recently bought the Surf Avenue building that houses Eldorado Auto Skooters and Arcade, said yesterday he’s bringing back the legendary ride as he’s still years away from using the land as part of a larger project to bring hotels and new retail to the seaside district.


The three-decade-old attraction -- best known for its blasting Disco beats and club-style lighting –- will continue to be run by the existing operators under a lease with Sitt for at least this summer.


The Eldorado bumper cars were such a hit with Minnelli in the 1970s that the old Studio 54 even tried to recreate them in its basement before running into spacing problems. The ride is also a favorite of many other celebrities, including ex-Met John Franco and actors Tracey Morgan and Gregory Hines.

I also found this info from a few years back -

http://amusingthezillion.com/2010/11/18/good-news-from-coney-island-eldorado-bump-your-ass-off-bumper-cars-to-reopen/

We’re happy to be able to report a piece of good news from good ol’ Coney Island, which is reeling from a series of deaths, demolitions, and evictions. The good news is Eldorado Auto Skooters, Coney’s famed disco palace of bumper cars, will reopen in 2011. It’ll be “Bump, Bump, Bump your Ass Off” at 1216 Surf Avenue in memory of the Eldorado’s heart and soul, Scott Fitlin, who died in October.


ATZ received a personal note from Sheila and Sandy Fitlin, the owners of the Eldorado Bumper Cars, to thank us for ATZ’s eulogy to their son. We can’t tell you how happy we were to read the words: “Stop by to see us at the Eldorado this summer.” The Coney Island Rumor Mill had been speculating whether or not the Eldorado would reopen. Some were worried that the building, which is owned by the Fitlin family, would be sold.


We were amazed and moved by the response to “Rest in Peace: Scott Fitlin, Coney’s Eldorado Man” (ATZ, October 13, 2010). Our eulogy was read by thousands of people from all over the world! As Sandy Fitlin writes, “Tricia, Scott had friends he probably didn’t know cared for him so much.” We think Scott would have been surprised by the many remembrances and condolences posted on ATZ and the audio discussion forums Audio Heritage and Wave Music, among others. Scott’s friends will want to stop by the Eldorado this summer to hear the legendary sound system and “Turn that Wheel!”

[edgewound]

Thanks for sharing that Heather.

Scotty J is missed. I used to talk with him on the phone. He was a fun guy.

[Earl K]

Yes Heather,

Thank-you very much for the info about Scott and his family .

:)

[Mr. Widget]

Ditto... what they said.

Hard to believe it's been almost two years since he left us.


Widget

[Robh3606]

I miss him a well. 2 years Wow

Rob:(

[hjames]

Thanks for fixing the thread title!

I miss Scott too - I'm sure we all did ...

I did another Google today and found this video!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27469924@N06/3904063155/

from a link on this story

http://amusingthezillion.com/2012/03/20/60-years-of-family-history-in-coney-island-end-with-sale-of-eldorado/

Last week, Sheila Buxbaum Fitlin and Sandy Fitlin, whose families have operated businesses in Coney Island for more than six decades, sold the building that houses the Eldorado Auto Skooters and Arcade at 1216-1218 Surf Avenue to Thor Equities. For months Coney Island insiders knew of the pending sale as well as the possibility that the bumper cars and arcade will open for one more season, in the same way that Astroland remained open the year after it was sold.


“We’re actively working on negotiations,” arcade operator Gordon Lee told ATZ on Monday. Lee’s company Sun Star is a longtime provider of arcade machines to Coney Island, including the Eldorado as well as the now-closed Astroland Arcade and Faber’s Fascination. Last season Lee managed both the bumper cars and the arcade for the Fitlins after the death of their son Scott (http://amusingthezillion.com/2010/10/13/rest-in-peace-scott-fitlin-coney-islands-eldorado-man/) in October 2010. The bumper cars have undergone pre-season maintenance and passed inspection and are ready to open on Coney Island’s opening day if an agreement can be reached with Thor Equities.


Scott Fitlin was the DJ extraordinaire of Surf Avenue’s legendary disco palace (http://amusingthezillion.com/2010/03/14/eldorado-auto-skooter-coney-islands-disco-palace-of-bumper-cars/) of “Bump, Bump, Bump Your Ass Off” bumper cars and his untimely death at the age of 48 left the attraction’s future in question. His parents had retired to Texas and left the bumper cars in his care. It was a gift to Coney Island and a tribute to his memory that the Eldorado reopened last season. ATZ asked the Fitlins for a statement about the sale of the Eldorado and their years in Coney. Sheila Buxbaum Fitlin sent us the following note via email:
It is with deep regret that I sold Eldorado. Due to my advancing age, the fact that I live in Texas, and, of course, Scott’s death, I could no longer continue.


As one of the last of the “old timers,” I view a legacy in Coney Island that spanned three generations and lasted almost 60 years. I pay homage to those of us who shaped Coney Island–


The Buxbaum & Fitlin Family, Jerome & Carol Albert, Denos Vourderis, Freddy Garms, Norman Kaufman, Ronnie Guerrero, Jeff Persily and any I may have forgotten.


Eldorado established an entity that became a standard of the industry. The Bumping Disco was known worldwide, reproduced somewhat once in Japan, but never really successfully duplicated anywhere. Eldorado was one of the very first of the FECs. Today the concept is everywhere and much embellished upon. Many years ago we had plans to extend to other areas, but it never came to fruition. Unfortunately, we were never really recognized or acknowledged by “the new Coney Island.” Oh, what things the “old timers” could have taught the “johnny come latelys.”

I only wish that Scott had not died and the next generation could have persevered.

GOODBYE CONEY ISLAND, and most of all, goodbye to those I love.


Our friend Scott Fitlin told us about the history of the Eldorado in a March 2010 interview (http://amusingthezillion.com/2010/03/14/eldorado-auto-skooter-coney-islands-disco-palace-of-bumper-cars/). It begins: “Eldorado was hand built by my grandfather Joseph Buxbaum, my Dad Sandy Fitlin, and my Uncle Peter Buxbaum, and a carpenter named Rafael. Opening date was March 21st 1973, admission was 50 cents and 25 cent re-rides. The FIRST record played was Cisco Kid-War (http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=7612)!”


In a 2007 interview in the Coney Island History Project’s Oral History Archive, (http://www.coneyislandhistory.org/voices/index.php/Search/Search/search/Sheila+Buxbaum+Fitlin) Sheila Buxbaum Fitlin recounts how her parents met in 1930s Coney Island when her mother was working in a frozen custard stand at Bowery and Stillwell and her father was selling hot corn next door to Nathan’s.


In the 1940s, the family opened the Shamrock Irish House, a restaurant, cabaret and open air bar with singing waiters on Henderson Walk and the Bowery. Customers would throw money onto the stage. “I can recall as a child–10, 11, 9–going there, getting a stage-side table and my father would give me a roll of dimes and set me up with my Coca Cola,” says Sheila in the interview with Charles Denson.


In the oral history interview, Sheila says the family switched over to games in the mid-1950s and had one of the first-ever water racing games. The Eldorado building was at one time the Pleasureland Arcade and was won by the Buxbaum and Fitlin families in a closed bid auction in 1971. The building is located mid-block on Surf Avenue between Denny’s Ice Cream and the Popper Building, a few doors down from Thor Equities property at the corner of Surf and Stillwell.


UPDATE April 12, 2012:

Good news! Gordon Lee of Coney’s Eldorado Bumper Cars phoned to say he’s operating the ride today & open for business! The arcade will also open this weekend for the season. Hours at the Eldorado are “12 noon till closing.”

Eldorado Bumper Cars and Arcade (http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com/Attraction/Eldorado-Bumper-Cars--Arcade.htm), 1216 Surf Avenue, Coney Island



Pix from the Joe Strummer biopix ... taking a ride at Eldorado ...
http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=33293&stc=1&d=1216340898

[Krunchy]

Thanks for the update Heather & the picture of Mick Jones.

[Titanium Dome]

Thanks, Heather. Brings back memories for sure.




Ditto... what they said.

Hard to believe it's been almost two years since he left us.


Widget


I miss him a well. 2 years Wow

Rob:(


Guys, whatever happened to the "In Memorium" forum we talked about opening a while back?

There are certainly a number of folks we'd like to memorialize before the memories are lost completely.

[BMWCCA]

My oldest daughter just returned from Coney Island and wrote to let me know the Eldorado bumper cars are still going strong, and so is the music!

Scotty is probably smiling. :applaud:

[svollmer]

That's great to hear. Thanks for passing that along Phil. I hope to go there one day.

[spkrman57]

Good to hear that Scott's dream is still running strong!
Regards, Ron

[DavidF]

My oldest daughter just returned from Coney Island and wrote to let me know the Eldorado bumper cars are still going strong, and so is the music!

Scotty is probably smiling. :applaud:


That's a bit of heartening news for these days. Thanks for sharing.