Somebody has strewn banners decrying “displacement” on the scaffolding of Sunset Park’s landmarked old 68th Precinct Station House on Fourth Avenue — and locals don’t know who did it, or why.
The banners are identical to those used by local anti-gentrification group Uprose, leading many to assume they were hung by its activists, but the group’s executive director denies this.
“The banners do look like ours but we are not responsible,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre. “Although, I am happy to see that those that feel displaced are voicing their concerns in the community, but it is not the work of my organization.”
Uprose was among the groups pushing to preserve the historic but dilapidated former police station, which the city had wanted to demolish to make way for a new 300-seat grade school. But the state ruled last month that the city would have to preserve most of the castle-like façade of the building — though it did sign off on plans to gut the long-disused police station and tear down its adjacent former horse stables.
Many residents feel they won a hard-fought victory in the preservation of the historic building, and can’t see why anyone would be hanging protest banners.
“I don’t see why some would say they are being displaced, after so many years of fighting to preserve this piece of history,” said community activist Tony Giordano. “The agreement reached is something everyone can benefit from.”
The city’s plans now represent the best chance in years to secure the future of the crumbling landmark, which languished under past owners who lacked the financing or local support to realize their plans for the building. Plans had included high end cafes, a day-care center, a museum, and luxury condos in a lot behind the building. But groups such as Uprose criticized previous plans, saying they would not benefit the mostly working-class community of Sunset Park.
It was a victory for local activists when the last private owner agreed last year to sell the landmark to the city for a new school to ease overcrowding in the district. The state’s order to preserve the historic façade is icing on the cake for locals who fought to save the building and redevelop it for community benefit.
“The preservation of this building is saving it from years of allowing it to deteriorate,” said Giordano. “Our kids will be getting educated in a piece of history. I’m stunned as to why some would feel left out.”
Once the purchase is complete, city officials will embark on a year-long design process for the school, followed by up to three years of construction.
