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Coney Island was the centre of the world for me. I loved the rides, the hot dogs - I've never gotten over it.

When I grew up, we went to Coney Island and Central Park. We'd find our way to the water and watch the fireworks.

My family originally lived in Brooklyn. Our first apartment was a little place above my father and uncle's hardware store in Coney Island. Now, don't get the impression that we were surrounded by merry-go-rounds, roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Nope, this was a little side street.

One of the great things about New York is this wonderful park we have.

Yes, I was born in Coney Island. The Holy Land.

And the most unusual and surrealistic place in New York City is Central Park.

I may be a lifelong 'downtowner,' but Central Park really is the most amazing and the most beautiful part of New York City.

From reinforcing beaches in the Rockaways to installing generators at the Coney Island Houses and sealing holes in the subway system, New York is fortifying our ability to withstand future storm surges.

I grew up on Avenue C, and Tompkins Square Park was my park. That was where I played ball every day. I lived in that park.