Just prior to leaving office as NYC Comptroller, Brad Lander wrote to Mayor-elect Mamdani, saying, “As part of our transition recommendations to your incoming administration, I write to urge you to immediately halt the Adams Administration’s proposed demolition of the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center at 1 Clarkson Street upon taking office, and instead to work closely with the West Village community to preserve, renovate, and revive this beloved community institution.” This strongly worded letter echoes and amplifies the overwhelming sentiment expressed by the public, this organization, and countless others in fighting the proposed demolition of the beloved landmarked Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, and reflects promises made by the new Mayor himself while running for office. We’re very grateful for the former Comptroller’s clear and forceful letter. 

This greatly aids our efforts to preserve and reopen the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center. 

Also late last year, Congressman Dan Goldman, State Senator Brian Kavanaugh, and Assemblymember Deborah Glick wrote to the Mayor about plans for the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center. Taking a somewhat different tack than Comptroller Lander, they urged the Mayor-elect to “preserve the façade of the current building to the maximum extent possible.” Councilmember Erik Bottcher had previously expressed similar sentiments in writing to the incoming Mayor as well.