Crown Heights residents are rallying to save an iconic Brooklyn roller rink.

Protesters armed with signs raised their voices Saturday in front of Empire Roller Skating Rink as a group of Boy Scouts waited to get in the center. Residents say if the owner has his way, those Boy Scouts and other at-risk children will have one less safe place to hang out. The owner plans to close the 70-year-old center April 23 and turn it into a storage facility.

Many community members say they have fond memories of the rink because they skated there in their youth and their children now go to the rink. Councilman Charles Baron (D-Crown Heights) agrees, saying the borough doesn't need another storage building.

The owner says he would consider moving the rink to another location if the community can raise funds for the center.