Mark Ruffalo and Fisher Stevens Fight to Save Historic Church
In a surprising turn of events, actor Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk in Marvel movies, made a powerful statement at City Hall in New York City on Monday. Alongside fellow actor Fisher Stevens, Ruffalo took a stand in a closed-door meeting with First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. The purpose of their meeting was to advocate for the preservation of the West-Park Presbyterian Church, a historic 19th-century church located on the Upper West Side.
Celebrity Advocacy for Preservation
The meeting between Ruffalo, Stevens, and Torres-Springer highlighted the ongoing battle between preservationists and developers over the fate of the church. With the congregation dwindling to just a few members, the church sought to sell the building to a developer to avoid costly restoration expenses. However, this decision sparked a preservation fight, drawing the support of several celebrities, including Ruffalo, Stevens, Matt Damon, Amy Schumer, and Matt Dillon.
City Hall’s Response
City Hall officials, including Councilwoman Gale Brewer, were present at the meeting to address the concerns raised by both parties. While the church had submitted a “hardship” application to remove its landmark status and proceed with demolition, Brewer argued that the building is not beyond repair. She emphasized the importance of preserving the church, stating that it is a significant landmark in upper Manhattan.
Commitment to Preservation
Debby Hirshman, the executive director of The Center at West Park, reaffirmed the commitment to preserving the historic building. She emphasized that the church is safe and economically viable, serving as an anchor to the community. Despite the challenges faced by the church, Hirshman expressed optimism about its future.
In a statement to The Post, City Hall spokeswoman Liz Garcia acknowledged the unexpected visit from Ruffalo and Stevens, describing Ruffalo as “so nice” during the meeting. The officials at City Hall are actively engaged in finding a solution that balances the interests of both preservationists and developers, underscoring the importance of community involvement in such matters.
Through their advocacy efforts, Ruffalo, Stevens, and other celebrities have shed light on the significance of preserving historic landmarks like the West-Park Presbyterian Church. Their actions serve as a testament to the power of celebrity influence in raising awareness and driving positive change in communities.
