Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on May 20, 2022

QUEENS, NY A group of neighbors are making a self-described "plea of passion" to worldwide Art Deco enthusiasts, asking for help saving remnants of a historic-theater-turned-synagogue that's slated for demolition.

Built in 1939 and named after that year's World's Fair centerpiece, the Trylon Theater in Rego Park is one of several Queens Boulevard buildings that developers plan to demolish to build a 15-story luxury building.

The proposal has aroused complaints from neighbors and politicians alike since its inception, but a group of neighborhood preservationists have been among the most outspoken critics (as is often the case with new development). A petition to preserve the "landmarks" and stop the demolition has raised over 4,200 signatures.

Now, with demolition all-but certain, the preservation-minded neighbors are taking a different tack, attempting to raise $80,000 to save the facade of the theater.

"I am making a plea of passion, asking the help of my fellow Art Deco enthusiasts across the globe," wrote Evan Boccardi, who has organized a GoFundMe with other neighbors on behalf of the Hail-Mary effort. "If anyone here could find it in their hearts to just donate a dollar or two, we can preserve the facade of this theatre for future generations."

The fundraiser has raised $3,576 of its $80,000 goal so far.

If the goal is reached, the developer agreed to hire Demolition Depot, a demolition company known for its preservation efforts, Boccardi said on the fundraising page. The demolition company will store the stonework and pay for protective supplies, he wrote.

"[Demolition Depot] have agreed to take action to save the beautiful Art Deco stonework that has faced Queens Boulevard for over 80 years," the fundraiser reads. "They have saved many facades, and have the expertise to save this one as well."

As proposed, the luxury building requires zoning changes, meaning the developer needs approval through the city's lengthy land use review process known as ULURP before construction can begin.

During that public review process, both the Community Board and Borough President issued advisory, non-binding votes against the luxury building, in part on the basis that it lacked enough affordable units.

In January, though, Council Member Lynn Schulman helped broker a deal with the developer to bring lower income affordable housing to the building.

The developer also said it could try to include more preservation-focused design elements in the building during a March committee meeting the final step in the ULURP process before the forthcoming City Council vote.

That vote typically falls in line with the vote of the member who represents the district; Schulman hasn't gone as far as saying that she supports the project, but has (repeatedly) spoken about it in a positive way.

"I'm pleased that we've made some progress, the most substantial of which is the agreement to add deeper affordable housing opportunities to the project," she said.

Continue reading here:

A Plea Of Passion: Locals Try To Raise $80K To Save Theater Facade - Patch

Category: Synagogue
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