The plans for McCarren Pool are coming. They’ll be discussed tonight at a meeting at 6:30 PM at The Lady of the Snow Society, which is located at 410 Graham Ave. (btwn Withers & Jackson Sts.). The Bloomberg Administration has committed $50 million for renovating the pool. The design is coming from Rogers & Marvel, which is part of the team that won the Governor’s Island competition and is also the project architect at the controversial 340 Court Street building in Carroll Gardens. There will be concerts at the pool again this summer, but construction is expected to start at the end of this year on the landmarked structure. The work will be finished in 2011, according to the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn. Results of the survey that was conducted about the pool have also been posted. In general terms, the survey found strong support for (surprise) reopening a pool and “within certain demographics” for concert and film programming. Here is some of the email making the rounds from the OSA:
The Parks Dept. and OSA value the cultural contribution provided by the film, dance and concert performances. We are also sensitive to the related noise complaints from neighboring residences, and we are seeking an accommodation for both perspectives. We are thoroughly examining all possible options, both temporary and permanent, to provide an appropriate location within the neighborhood for large-scale performances for 2009 and beyond.
In the meantime, pool construction will be bid out, and will start in late 2008. McCarren Park Pool will continue to be used as a performance venue during the summer of 2008. In addition to the concerts of the past years, OSA would like to encourage greater diversity of programming for the coming 2008 summer.
The group is trying to raise money for opera and classical concerts this summer and will be looking for another venue for large concerts in 2009. It is unknown whether Clear Channel will be the company producing concerts again. There will be a second presentation to Community Board 1 on Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30 PM at the Swinging Sixties Seniors Center, which is located at 211 Ainslie Avenue (btwn Graham & Manhattan). Any work at the pool must be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which landmarked the pool last year.
