No injuries were reported when the corner of the Cromwell Center in Tompkinsville collapsed.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The George M. Cromwell Recreation Center in Tompkinsville is in “an imminent state of collapse,” a FDNY official said, after the front corner of the recreation center partially caved in today. he Fire Department said the building was vacant and no injuries were reported in the collapse, which occurred about 2:15 p.m. It said the investigation was ongoing.
The collapse was caught on video by an employee at a nearby business:
| Pier collapse |
Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said experts and engineers are trying to figure out how execute demolition of the front portion of the building, while preserving the rear, which they believe to be structurally sound.
The Cromwell Center on Pier 6 had recently been closed for renovations, including a new roof and new support framing, according to New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Borough President James P. Molinaro said he did not think the building could be saved.
“I think we’re going to have to sit down and plan and create another Cromwell Center on land,” he said.
Rep. Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) expressed concern over the collapse.
“As we all know, Cromwell has been serving the community for generations and was recently closed by the City due to deteriorating physical conditions,” he said in a statement. “I am just thankful that the City had the foresight to close it when they did. Otherwise, we’d be facing a very different situation today.”
The center was named after Staten Island’s first borough president. It was built by the Works Progress Administration in the mid-1930s for $1 million. It underwent a $5 million restoration in 2001.
In fiscal year 2008, the center had about 2,860 active members, according to the parks department.
--- Associated Press material was used in this report
Here are additional photos from the scene:
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