By Lincoln Anderson, published December 26, 2023
“In “The Wizard of Oz,” after the Wicked Witch of the West melts, the Munchkins all rejoice by singing, “Ding, dong, the witch is dead!”
Since the famed musical’s lyricist, “Yip” Harburg, went to school at the old P.S. 64, now would be the time, if ever, to sing something similar about Gregg Singer, who for 25 years has played the role of the bad guy, vainly trying to redevelop the former beloved community center. “Ding, dong, the developer is gone!” anyone?
On Dec. 20, activists who for a quarter century resisted Singer’s obsessive quest announced that the historic East Village building finally is out of his grasp.
In a convoluted conclusion, an auction of the property — formerly home to the CHARAS/El Bohio Cultural and Community Center — that was set for early November was nixed after the debt on the building by Madison Realty Capital was reportedly bought for $55 million by an entity called 605 East 9th Community Holdings.
… “For more than 20 years, activists, elected officials and community members have been working to save CHARAS, and return this beloved center to the community,” Councilmember Carlina Rivera said. “I am proud to fight alongside the local coalition to preserve the cultural heritage of the Lower East Side. I hope that, through continued organizing and advocacy, CHARAS can be reclaimed by the community that played a pivotal role in creating a space for cultural expression and a source of joy for all residents.”