New owner to demolish 35 Cooper Square

Despite meeting with preservation advocates April 12 to hear concerns about redevelopment, Arun Bhatia, the new owner of 35 Cooper Square, a centuries-old property near the corner of East 6th Street, has decided not to preserve the structure, according to DNAinfo.

Bhatia bought the three-story 1825 village rowhouse late last year for $8.5 million and submitted an application for demolition in March, angering neighbors and inspiring a campaign against the destruction led by the Bowery Alliance of Neighbors.

Bhatia’s attorney contacted council member Rosie Mendez last week, claiming that the size restrictions of the site would not allow for preservation. As yet, there are no definite plans for the site. [DNAinfo]