Greenwich Village Block Associations NewsAn Occasional Publication from the Greenwich Village Block Associations & An Open Community Forum |
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What's A Doughboy to Do?by Marilyn DoratoIn the 18th century, Abingdon Square was owned by Sir Peter Warren's daughter, wife of the Earl of Abingdon, who sympathized with the Americans in the Revolution; the square kept its British name when others were removed from New York sites. In the 1830's, an iron fence was added. In the 1880's Calvert Vaux, the architect of the Jefferson Market Courthouse, designed the small enclave to give public access. The Doughboy, a World War I memorial, was bought by Village donations and installed in 1921 by Gov. Alfred E. Smith, who made his tribute before 20,000 people. Now that quiet oasis is a hotbed. Some people want to redesign the park, cut openings in the fence, and move the statue near the busy intersection of Bleecker and Hudson; some people want to restore the park, preserve the trees, and install a new surface. George Vellonakis, who redesigned City Hall Park, has created one design, no alternatives. $760,000 has been allocated by Councilmember Christine Quinn for this purpose: $25,000 moves the Doughboy. What residents think is unclear, because Community Board 2 failed to properly publicize the meetings on the issue and held these discussions in inconvenient locations. Ironically, a posted public hearing was held regarding the Bleecker Park seating area; no money is available for improvements to this park. The NYC Landmarks Commission is considering the proposed park changes. The Landmarks Committee of CB2 had passed a resolution calling for the Doughboy to stay put, but face South, and for maintaining the curve of the ancient fence. At the Full Board Meeting, Committee Chair Sean Sweeney, countering his own committee, accepted a "friendly amendment" by Jane Street's Jo Hamilton to drop the reference to the statue and another "friendly amendment" by Hudson Square's David Reck to drop the protection for the fence, effectively gutting the resolution. However you may feel about the proposed park design, CB2 does not seem to care. In an effort to bring harmony, Councilmember Quinn held a public meeting on April 30th. Although there was some acrimony and a lot of attitude, a compromise seems possible, because each side has compatible priorities. The pro-plan advocates are primarily concerned with greening the park, and the anti-plan side is chiefly concerned with keeping the statue in place (possibly turning it around) and maintaining the integrity of the fence. These aims could be coordinated in a few plan tweaks. There is a proposed grassy center which may be problematic due to future use and maintenance issues; the intent is to allow people to walk on and lie on the grass. With the Parks' department budget continually under attack, it may be an amenity impossible to maintain. What will the grass look like in five years? Will there be grass? This is an improvement project that can happily happen with some open discussion, a little cooperation, and a touch of community spirit. For now, that pained look on the Doughboy's face is shared by many Villagers. |