By Lincoln Anderson
Almost a year to the date that Eddie Boros — the barefoot, pearl necklace-wearing creator of the Tower of Toys — died at age 74 comes word that his legendary landmark in 6th & B Garden is facing the ax.
Now that Boros is no longer around to defend it, the city’s Parks Department has reportedly determined the soaring structure is unsafe and will begin dismantling it soon.
The ramshackle wooden sculpture festooned with Big Wheel trikes and stuffed animals foraged from local garbage bins has been a favorite stop for tourists from Germany to Japan. But the tour buses, it seems, will have to cross the quirky creation off their lists of must-see East Village attractions.
Cristina De Luca, a Parks spokesperson, said, “In order to ensure public safety, we have been working with the leaders of all community gardens throughout the city to remove or replace any buildings or structures that are not code compliant. Regarding the ‘toy tower’ at the 6th & B Garden, the structure was not built according to code and is a public safety hazard.”
Truth be told, some 6B gardeners always wanted the colossal found-art fabrication disassembled, fearing a board, scavenged rocking horse or other stray decoration would fall and brain a tot or adult.
Friends of Boros and admirers of his signature work will hold an “informal celebration” in the garden, at Sixth St. and Avenue B, on Sun., May 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
