Art Center Evicted from Landmark Upper West Side Church After Legal Battle

Eviction from Landmark Church

• 📌 An art center is being evicted from a landmark Upper West Side church after a long legal battle.
• 🎭 This eviction follows appeals from local lawmakers and celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, Laurence Fishburne, and Christian Slater, who held rallies to save the center.

West Park Arts Center's Role

• 🎨 The West Park Arts Center, operating within the West Park Presbyterian Church, is described as a beloved community arts institution.
• 💸 Advocates highlight that the center offers world-class artists' performances at affordable prices, with tickets selling for $14, contrasting with expensive Broadway shows.

Church's Legal Stance and Future Plans

• ⚖️ The church's attorney stated that the court of appeals agreed the center's lease violated the religious corporation law.
• 🏗️ The eviction allows the 135-year-old church to proceed with a landmark preservation process, aiming for demolition and rebuilding on West 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
• 💰 Supporters of the art center plan to oppose the church's real estate deal, reportedly valued at over $30 million.
• 🔒 The church's attorney confirmed that locks will be changed, and anyone remaining inside will be removed.