BY BEN VERDE
The Grand Prospect Hall
has been temporarily saved
from destruction after a ruling
from a Kings County judge on
Wednesday.
Neighborhood activists
rushing to save the historic
hall’s facade got a major win
when a judge issued a Temporary
Restraining Order on
Sept. 1, stating that the building’s
new owners cannot demolish
it until after a Sept. 16 court
date.
Those leading the charge
against the demolition cheered
the ruling.
“I think it’s amazing that
we have the time to be able to
do what we need,” said 16-yearold
activist Solya Spiegel, who
launched an online petition
against the demolition and
put in a formal request for the
Landmarks Preservation Commission
to review the case. “I
think it’s really good that we
can do that, especially since
we’ve been doing so much and
it fi nally shows that someone
is actually caring and giving
us the time to get involved with
everyone else and see what we
can do about it.”
The Sept. 16 hearing will focus
on whether or not the building’s
demolition can move forward
• Vincent Alvarez, President, NYC CLC
• Lori Ann Ames, National President, United Service Workers Union, IUJAT
• Matthew Aracich, President Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk
• Tanya N. Blocker, Assistant General Counsel and Director, Labor and Employment Group, National Grid
• Carmen Charles, President, Local 420
• Kathy Culhane, President, Non-Traditional Employment for Women
• Vijay Dandapani, President & CEO, Hotel Association of New York
• Rafael Espinal, Executive Director, Freelancers Union
• Donald Gelestino, President & CEO, Champion Elevator
• Mark Gregorio, President, TEI
• Mark Henry, President & Business Agent, ATU Local 1056
• Marc Herbst, Executive Director, Long Island Contractors Association
• Joey Jackson, Principal & Founder, Joey Jackson Law, PLLC.
• Charles Jenkins, Area President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
• Patrick B. Jenkins, President, Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates
• Daniel C. Levler, President, Suffolk AME
• Gloria Middelton, President, CWA 1180
• Dalvanie Powell, President, United Probation Officers Association
• Giorgio Garcia, President, In-Line Electrical Contractors Corp
• Jeffrey Santo, Vice President, In-Line Electrical Contractors Corp
• Ed Smith, President & CEO, Ullico
• Michelle Zettergren, President, MagnaCare
COURIER L 12 IFE, SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2021
while it awaits review by
the Landmarks Preservation
Commission. The building’s
new owner, developer Andrew
Rigas, has fi led for a full demolition
permit for the building,
as was fi rst reported by Brooklyn
Paper, while activists have
launched a last minute campaign
to landmark the building’s
facade.
In a petition fi led by neighborhood
activists Spiegel, Jim
Glaser, Julie Spiegel, and Sarah
Ferholt, the activists argue that
since the building is currently
under review by the commission,
it should be spared the
wrecking ball until a recommendation
is made.
“Petitioners would be irreparably
damaged should the demolition
of the premises occur
prior the Landmark Preservation
Commission’s assessment
of the application,” the petition
reads. “However, respondent
will not be harmed by a mere
delay in its plans.”
The court order was fi rst reported
by Patch.
Attorneys for Rigas argued
in an affi davit that since the
building has not been formerly
calendared for review by the
commission, and that since interior
The Grand Prospect Hall, before scaffolding went up earlier this week
(right) and the now-demolished interior of the building (left). Photos by
Susan de Vries
demolition permits have
already been granted by the Department
of Buildings, there is
no legal basis to halt the process.
They also pointed out that
the historic interior of the
building has already been gutted
and destroyed. A spokesman
for Rigas told Gothamist
that this was the state they purchased
the building in.
“As of today, the interior of
the premises has been gutted
down to the steel column and
beams that support the building,”
the affi davit reads. “Petitioner’s
request is too late.”
Rigas and his rep could not
be reached for further comment
by deadline. The Landmarks
Preservation Commission also
did not immediately return requests
for comment.
Prospect for hope
Grand Prospect Hall temporarily spared
demolition by court order
Celebrating the Most Powerful ‘Leaders of Labor’
On September 9th, Schneps Media will again celebrate the workers’ rights movement at the annual Leaders of Labor Awards and Networking Event.
Presented by NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery, the event, to be held indoors and outdoors at Terrace on the Park from 6 to 9 pm, will recognize the achievements and contributions of the outstanding individuals
who have made a significant impact in the Labor movement from Manhattan to Montauk.
Attendees will celebrate and connect with some of the most powerful advocates for New York labor rights.
The evening will also include a raffle, with 100% of monies raised donated to Nontraditional Employment for Women. The event is being hosted in a COVID-compliant setting. Proof of vaccination is necessary.
The 2021 Leaders of Labor honorees are (list in formation):
This event would not be possible without the support of Corporate Partners: To reserve your tickets, or for inquiries, contact
Demetra Mattone • Events Concierge
917.272.4213
Presenting
Corporate
Partner
Grand
Corporate
Partner