http://www.nypost.com/p/civic_groups...B0ZDI89vjLK99O
Civic groups fighting to keep 1920s carousel out of DUMBO park
February 22, 2010
By RICH CALDER
A state plan to relocate an exquisitely restored 1920s carousel to popular waterfront parkland in DUMBO is infuriating local civic groups, who say it’s a bad fit that isn’t worth losing trees and lawn space over.
Jane Walentas, wife of DUMBO developer David Walentas, has agreed to relocate the carousel she bought and restored to the western shore of Empire State-Fulton Ferry Park’s cove in front of the historic Tobacco Warehouse. The carousel would be located within a massive glass pavilion designed by architect Jean Nouvel.
Doreen Gallo, executive director of the DUMBO Neighborhood Association said "We all love the carousel; we just think it belongs in another part of Brooklyn Bridge Park."
Empire State-Fulton Ferry Park, which will eventually be absorbed into the long-delayed Brooklyn Bridge Park project, saw part of its green space shut down last month as construction began to make room for the carousel.
Gallo also questioned why no public input was solicited before the state-city Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp. in December agreed to accept the carousel and put it in the park. The carousel is not addressed in the park’s project plan.
Other groups putting pressure on elected officials to keep "Jane’s Carousel" out of the Empire State-Fulton Ferry include the Fulton Ferry Landing Association, Vinegar Hill Association and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund (best known for fighting to keep condos out of the park, too).
Judi Francis, who heads the Park Defense Fund, said Nouvel’s designs are typically "modern," so it’s unlikely that his glass pavilion would fit in with the rest of the historic buildings along the DUMBO waterfront.
"It’s hard to guess what his design will be because no one will tell us about it," she said.
She said a better location would be on the Brooklyn Heights side of Brooklyn Bridge Park, such as Pier 6. Gallo suggested under the Manhattan Bridge.
Francis also said it’s a travesty that trees are being cut down to pave way for the carousel when other segments of Brooklyn Bridge Park have been delayed because of lack of financing and bickering between the city and state over control of the park.
Jane Walentas is also donating $3.45 million for landscaping and other improvements in the park that include lighting to allow the tourist hotspot to remain open well past its current dusk closing time, eventually extending the hours to 1 a.m.
Walentas would operate the ride through a nonprofit "Friends of Jane’s Carousel," and any profits from concessions would go towards park maintenance, officials have said.
Walentas could not be reached for comment.
Elizabeth Mitchell, a spokesperson for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp. said the development corporation is "extremely grateful for this phenomenally generous gift by David and Jane Walentas and is certain the landmark 1922 Carousel will enhance the space and the experience for visitors to Brooklyn Bridge Park. We look forward to sharing further details regarding how this beautifully restored carousel will fit into the landscape along the East River."