Village Preservation rallies to save Tony D'Apellito Recreation Center from demolition

The Manhattan Community Board 2 meeting on May 22, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the future of the Tony D'Apellito Recreation Center. Andrew Berman, representing Village Preservation and 20 other local organizations, urged community members to join a rally on June 1 at 2 PM to advocate for the center's preservation.

Berman criticized the city for initially claiming a lack of funds for repairs, only to allocate $52 million for its demolition. He emphasized that the center, which has served the community for over 120 years, can be restored and modernized with proper funding. Berman called for the mayor's allocated funds to be redirected towards restoration efforts instead of demolition, highlighting the irony of destroying a building named after a former chair who championed preservation.

The meeting also included attempts to engage other speakers, such as Ryan Miller, who was not present, and Carlos, whose full identity was unclear. The session concluded with an invitation for additional public comments, although no further speakers were identified at that time.

The discussions at this meeting underscore ongoing tensions between community preservation efforts and city planning decisions, particularly regarding historic sites. The upcoming rally aims to mobilize public support for the recreation center's future, reflecting broader concerns about maintaining community heritage in the face of urban development.