In what officials called a “heart-wrenching decision,” the Rosenthal Jewish Community Center of Northern Westchester will close its two locations on June 30.
In a letter to community members on Dec. 10, Rosenthal JCC President Jessica Morgenthal and Executive Director Ellie Aronowitz cited “changing demographics, increased competition and rising economic challenges” as reasons behind the decision to close its two Westchester locations.
“These growing realities have left us unable to remain viable for the long term,” the statement read. “Closing our doors is the most responsible path of action.”
The Rosenthal JCC has its main branch at 600 Bear Ridge Road in Pleasantville, as well as a Yorktown Heights location at 2966 Crompond Road. The organization also has camps in Croton-on-Hudson and Pearl River. It has operated for 36 years in Westchester County, and offers camps, after-school programs and day care services for children as well as social, educational and recreational programs for teens and adults.
According to its website, the Rosenthal JCC lists 23 employees among its administrative, early childhood, youth and teen, and camp staffs. It is supported by the United Jewish Appeal – Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, Inc, a New York City-based philanthropy group.
Officials from the Jewish Community Center on the Hudson in Tarrytown broke ground on a new 75,000-square-foot facility in October. The $7 million facility on the site of the former General Motors training center will include expanded recreation facilities, a pool, cafe, auditorium and administrative offices.
This is very sad. My kids went to nursery school at their Northern Westchester/Putnam branch many years ago and we attended events in Pleasantville.