The North Shore is one step closer to getting its beloved Cromwell Center rebuilt. As NY1's Thabie Sibanda explains, the results of a study show there's a perfect spot to rebuild the recreation center.
For Rhoda Treherne-Thomas has called Tompkinsville home for the last 13 years. She clearly remembers what the Cromwell Center meant to her community.
"Very much so! There were many activities there. It was a real social center in many ways," said Trehern-Thomas. "Watching it go was horrible."
The city tore down the center after Hurricanes Sandy and Irene left it damaged. Now plans to rebuild it are moving forward. It’ll be located right across from the old site at the Lyons Pool Recreation Center.
"I think it's great. Can't wait to get it. And there are new ideas for how they're going to do it. Just perfect. Sounds really good," said Trehern-Thomas.
Councilwoman Debi Rose made getting the Cromwell Center rebuilt a top priority. She says the center has been a cornerstone for many generations.
"My father and mother used to come to Cromwell to go to dances. I and my sister came here to play volleyball and my son. And the hope was my grandchildren would be able to come here and play," said Rose.
Councilwoman Rose says she secured $700-thousand dollars during negotiations for the NY Wheel for a study to determine the best place to rebuild the center. Lyons Pool was the first choice. Rose says the Lyons Pool is a landmark so they won't be tearing it down. Instead they will build three stories on top of it where the new Cromwell Center will be housed.
"It's the best not only because it is historic and iconic but because of all of the transportation options," said Rose.
She also says it’s a good spot because it's across from the original location. Councilwoman Rose says the next step is to secure money to build it.
"My goal has been to rebuild Cromwell and I'm certainly not going to stop at this juncture," said Rose.
NY1 reached out to the city's parks department which would fund the project and we are awaiting a response.