During a recent meeting of Community Board 2 (CB2) in Manhattan, members engaged in a heated discussion regarding the potential demolition of the D'Apolito Center, a significant historic building within a landmark district. The conversation centered around the need for a clear and formal position from the board, as concerns were raised about previous resolutions that may have been misinterpreted as supporting demolition.
Members emphasized that while there had been implicit opposition to the demolition, an explicit resolution was necessary to clarify CB2's stance. The board discussed the importance of presenting a united front at an upcoming meeting with the Parks Department, scheduled for September 30, where the future of the D'Apolito Center would be a key topic.
Several members advocated for drafting a resolution that would formally state CB2's opposition to the demolition. This resolution would be presented at the full board meeting on September 19, ensuring that the board's position was officially recorded and communicated to relevant parties, including the Parks Commissioner.
The discussion highlighted the urgency of the matter, with members expressing concern that delays could lead to misunderstandings about the board's position. The consensus was that a resolution would carry more weight than a simple letter, as it would reflect the collective decision of the entire board rather than just the executive committee.
As the meeting progressed, members agreed to move forward with drafting the resolution, aiming to finalize it in time for the upcoming meetings. The board's proactive approach aims to safeguard the historic D'Apolito Center from potential demolition, reinforcing its commitment to preserving significant cultural landmarks in the community.