West Village Affordable Housing Plan Sparks Debate Over Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
NYC’s Hudson Mosaic project promises new housing and public pools, but preservation advocates push back.
The West Village in New York City is preparing for a major urban redevelopment, with plans emerging for a modern residential complex that includes a public swimming pool and fitness facilities. The project, which will consist entirely of affordable housing units, aims to address both community recreational needs and the city’s housing shortage. However, the proposal has sparked local controversy over the future of the beloved and currently closed Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, as community groups are calling for its restoration rather than its replacement.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office recently announced a new initiative that would introduce a contemporary residential building featuring a state-of-the-art public pool and a comprehensive fitness center to the vibrant West Village neighborhood. The ambitious project is set to transform a vacant, city-owned lot into a thriving community hub offering essential resources for residents.
Hudson Mosaic Project Sparks Preservation Debate
The development is designed to be fully inclusive, with all 280 apartments designated as affordable housing, including 15% reserved for individuals who were previously homeless, underscoring the city’s commitment to addressing diverse housing challenges.
Public facilities within the new structure—including the indoor pool and various ground-level amenities—will be managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The new recreational space, temporarily named “Hudson Mosaic,” is expected to become a cornerstone of community life, featuring a six-lane indoor pool, a full-size basketball court, and expansive areas dedicated to fitness and wellness activities. City officials present these new amenities as a modern alternative to the historic Tony Dapolito Recreation Center, known locally as “Tony Dap,” which has been closed to the public since 2019.
The closure of the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center—a cherished downtown institution—has been a major concern for West Village residents. Parks officials have concluded that the building’s structural integrity has deteriorated to such an extent that comprehensive repairs are no longer a viable option. Despite its condition, plans to demolish the center have faced strong opposition from neighborhood preservation groups, who emphasize its historical significance and deep community roots.
Leading the campaign against demolition is Andrew Berman, executive director of the Village Preservation organization. He voiced the community’s position, stating:“The public has been clear in its desire to repair and reopen the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center with new complementary facilities at 388 Hudson—not to replace Tony Dap with new facilities and destroy the center as proposed by Mayor Adams.”
Hudson Mosaic Project Sparks Preservation Debate
This sentiment gained political momentum when Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed support for the reconstruction plan advocated by Berman’s organization, signaling broader political and community alignment around preservation.
The city’s decision to appoint Camber Property Group as the developer for the site confirms the official trajectory toward constructing the new Hudson Mosaic complex. While the development promises modern amenities, it directly conflicts with community demands to preserve the existing historic structure. Tricia Shimamura, Manhattan Borough Commissioner for the Parks Department, acknowledged the community’s deep attachment, saying:“We absolutely hear and understand the community’s desire to preserve this history.”
However, she emphasized the practical limitations, adding:“Unfortunately, we are in a situation where the building’s constraints do not allow us to renovate it in a way that would make it accessible, code-compliant, and truly programmable in the way we want.”
The ongoing dialogue between city planners and community advocates highlights the complex challenges of urban development in historically rich neighborhoods. While the proposed Hudson Mosaic project promises significant improvements in public amenities and affordable housing, the debate over the fate of the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center continues to symbolize the broader tension between urban renewal and preservation of community heritage. In the coming years, the West Village will grapple with these competing visions as it seeks a future that balances progress and history.
