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SAVE THE COMMUNITY CENTER! JOIN THE RALLY MONDAY 3/9/09 AT 5:30PM.

by Joelle Panisch

The landmarked Community Center, formerly PS 64, is in shambles and local officials and community activists want to end the neglect. 

According to the East Village Community Coalition (EVCC), after loosing a series of court battles for landmark designation the owner destroyed the capstones on the north side of the building and never repaired it, covering the damage only with tarps.  Consequently the building has suffered two seasons of weather damage and is in desperate need of repair.

 
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has sent two notices asking the owner to seal the unprotected structure.  Both have been ignored.   The LPC has yet to levy monetary damages.
 
According to the EVCC the owner is trying to utilize the property as a student dormitory, which they deem transient and inappropriate. 
 
In a press release the EVCC states, “Landmark designation was based on architectural, historic and social significance, including as a community arts and services center that became a key emblem of community unity, which the neighborhood wants restored.”
 
The rally will include some prominent public figures and organizations including City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, New York State Senator Daniel Squadron and New York State Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh.  Also in attendance will be Community Board 3, District Leader Anthony Feliciano, DAG 64, Cooper Square Committee, Cooper Square Mutual Housing, CODA, East Village Community Coalition, Good Old Lower East Side, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Historic Districts Council, Lower East Side Peoples Mutual Housing Association, University Settlement, Reverend Billy & The Church of Life After Shopping, Picture the Homeless, other community organizations.
 
Rally to Save the Community Center
Monday, March 9, 2009 at 5:30 pm
East 10th St between Aves B & C
For more information call Michael Rosen of the East Village Community Coalition
917.650.4944 or email him.  
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