These days, Coney Island is known for its roller coasters, Mermaid Parade, and Hot Dog Eating Contest, but back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a very different story. Instead, the Brooklyn neighborhood resembled "a war zone" between 1965–1975 amid ill-conceived government projects, as the Coney Island History Project explained.

Atkinson recalled a crowd of thousands stood on stoops and balconies and lined the streets the day she was in the parade. She was decked out as Mist, with a handmade seashell top, fabric tail, headdress with a crown and the biggest smile.

Casinos have emerged as an unexpected factor in the comptroller race. When the HTC union announced its endorsement of Brannan in April, officials told the Daily News that they were swayed by Levine’s decision to oppose the Related Cos.’ casino bid at Hudson Yards.