By Eileen Lehpamer and Adam Warner, May 30

During a Memorial Day event Monday, the crumbling Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at Riverside Park was surrounded by a fence, as it’s too dangerous to keep open.

The white marble monument was dedicated in 1902 to honor Union Army soldiers and sailors. It was closed five years ago after an assessment found it had deteriorated due to age and lack of drainage.

There’s been a push ever since to have the monument repaired, but the cost of fixing it could be up to $54 million, according to City Councilmember Gale Brewer.

Brewer has created a petition for the city to pay for repairs at the monument.

Brewer said the monument is on the National Registry in addition to being a city and state landmark. So she’s appealing for federal funding and has already spoken to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

“I think there’s such a beloved feeling about this monument,” Brewer said.

Read more: https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/nyc-soldiers-and-sailors-monument-in-disrepair-for-years