Beloved Brooklyn Bowling Alley 'Maple Lanes' Being Sold To Developer
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's filled with seniors in the morning, students in the afternoons, bowling leagues at nights and kids' birthday parties on weekends.
But much to the disappointment of regulars, the owners of Maple Lanes in Brooklyn, said they have made the tough decision to sell it to a developer.
Frequenters lamented news of the sale, saying they saw the Borough Park bowling alley as something wholesome and affordable, unlike new bowling alleys they said were more like upscale bars with bowling in the background.
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One regular who watched the lanes built and bowled there ever since, said it is a place where you can see Brooklyn's diversity. He said it's a place where friendships are formed and you can still play a game for less than $5.
"If you go to the city, it's $10 a game, it's ridiculous. I started bowling at a quarter a game," he told 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon.
Another regular said they just don't make bowling alleys like it anymore.
"They're all geared to publicity and celebrity and selling beer and liquor -- no real bowling," the bowler said of new alleys.
Midwood High School bowling coach Mike Moore said he spends a lot of time at Maple Lanes.
"The people here are so warm and easy-going and loving, so I feel like home when I come here," Moore said.
Students from FDR High School's bowling team also said they really enjoy the place.
"It's a great place to hang out after school -- a friendly staff," one student said.
The developer, which was to present its plan to Community Board 12 on Monday night, wants to knock down the bowling alley and build a synagogue and condos at the location.
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