A small but determined group of protesters are fighting to save a historic Brooklyn bakery building that stands in the way of the Atlantic Yards project.

Developer Bruce Ratner plans to start removing asbestos this week from the former Ward Bread Bakery on Pacific Street and begin demolition in two months. Upset residents are hanging banners and raising their voices to save the factory, which an Irish baker opened in 1911, from the wrecking ball. They argue there is no reason to destroy the building since construction at the site will begin in 10 years.

Activists say the former bakery, which has been a storage facility for 10 years, played a vital role in the community. They say the building's clean, white terracotta tiles served as a symbol of hope while the city was plagued by disease.

Repeated attempts to have the city declare the building a landmark have failed.

For an interview with a community activist on the rally to stop the demolition of the bakery, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.