A conservation group in West Village is upset about the city’s recent decision to demolish and replace the cherished Tony Dapolito Recreation and Aquatic Center.
Critics of the project argue that this historic building, which opened in 1908 and showcases well-known murals by Keith Haring, has faced years of neglect, leading to its closure in 2019.
City officials from the Parks Bureau and the mayor’s office have proposed new solutions for aging facilities in the area.
Andrew Berman, from the advocacy group Village Berman, has called the new demolition plan “outrageous.” He questioned whether the mayor truly believes the plan serves the community of Lower Manhattan or, for that matter, anyone in New York City.
The fate of the Dapolito Center is tied to a larger $164 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the Clarkson Street corridor, which includes demolishing the original center to create a new outdoor aquatic complex.
This initiative also plans for an expanded green space at 388 Hudson Street and an indoor recreation center.
Somer Omar, a community organizer advocating for the Dapolito Center, expressed her support for renovations along Clarkson Street but emphasized that destruction of historic structures should not be part of the plan. “We need to protect all public spaces. Our community shouldn’t have to sacrifice for others,” she stated.
In April, advocates were assured that parts of the building could be preserved and restored, and they had received confirmation from inspectors regarding potential recovery methods.
Berman firmly insisted, “There’s absolutely nothing in that building that can’t be repaired.”
Frustratingly, during a community committee meeting, Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez Rosa announced that $120 million had been allocated for restoration, yet the city hasn’t made any significant moves to start the process.
Despite facing obstacles, Berman and his group of supporters are prepared to oppose the demolition. They secured landmark status for the building 15 years ago, which means that it can’t be demolished without approval from the Landmarks Conservation Committee.
“Now that committee is appointed and controlled by the mayor, he seems to have the final say, but we’ll contest him at every step,” he remarked.
The mayor’s office didn’t provide any comments in response to the situation.
A representative from the Parks Department mentioned, “We recognize the historical and emotional significance of the Tony Dapolito Center to the community. The city is committed to honoring the site’s heritage while also ensuring it’s ready for future needs. Our Clarkson Street Corridor Initiative includes reimagining the outdoor pool area on the current site, preserving the iconic Keith Haring mural, and developing a new, fully accessible indoor recreation center near 388 Hudson Street.”
