LPC To Discuss Fate of WPA Pools Today
In its afternoon session today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will be considering whether to individually designate nine WPA-built public pools (and, in some cases, accompanying bath houses). In Brooklyn, the McCarrren, Red Hook and Sunset Park pools are all up for discussion. You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that McCarren…
In its afternoon session today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will be considering whether to individually designate nine WPA-built public pools (and, in some cases, accompanying bath houses). In Brooklyn, the McCarrren, Red Hook and Sunset Park pools are all up for discussion. You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that McCarren Park Pool (which was built in 1936) has been enjoying a second life as a popular concert site in the warmer weather in recent years but what about the other two? What’s become of them? What will it mean for all three if they are indeed landmarked? Will they become functioning pools again? UPDATE: The LPC heard all the testimony this afternoon but took no action.
LPC Jan. 30 Agenda [NYC.gov]
Should McCarren Park Pool Be Restored? [Brownstoner]
Landmarks Designation Hearing Jan. 30 [Historic Districts]
McCarren Pool Up for Landmarking [Gowanus Lounge]
Photo by ericlaire
Caro’s opinion that Moses was a racist is just that. He wrote the definitive biography, but that doesn’t mean that he is always correct. There is a good deal of evidence that Moses was not a racist.
Anybody attend the hearings? Who has an update?
Carla – 10:48 might have been flip, but I don’t think he was being racist. Go read Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker” for the reference (the chapter on the pools, where Moses is alleged to have to just that – lowered the temp of the pools to keep people of color out).
Many of the pools are open and thriving. This reminds me of when Brownstoner didn’t know what the parade grounds were.
And whites do like ice cold water? Go back in your hole, racist.
What about the big public pool in Bushwick? I recall driving by off-season and being impressed with facade, but unsure if it was in use or not.
9:34,
Why diidn’t they just fill McCarren with ice cold water like Robert Moses did. Blacks and Browns don’t like cold water. Problem solved. Learn from the past people!
If McCarren Park Pool continues to serve as an outdoor concert facility, it should be a little more diverse in music, so more people can enjoy it.
Something like Central Park Summer Stage.. a little bit for everyone
I went to the Red Hook pool last summer, and it was great!
Halden is correct, ten of 11 have been restored. McCarren Park … you gotta be careful what you wish for. Certain parties blocked the restoration in the mid-80s for xenophobic reasons. Now they’ve got rock and roll instead.