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JUNIPER PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION Committee to Save the Trylon Theater Greater Astoria Historical Society
Contact: Robert Holden, President, Juniper Park Civic Association Tel: 718-651-5865 Email: rholden@junipercivic.comContact: Michael Perlman, President, Committee to Save the Trylon Theater Tel: 917-446-7775 Email: unlockthevault@hotmail.comContact: Robert Singleton, President, Greater Astoria Historical Society Tel: 718-278-0700 Email: info@astorialic.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COALITION CALLS ON COUNCILMAN GALLAGHER TO SAVE MASPETH’S ST. SAVIOR’S CHURCH (4/3/06) The Juniper Park Civic Association, Committee to Save the Trylon Theater and the Greater Astoria Historical Society are calling on Councilman Dennis Gallagher to act immediately to stop to the destruction of St. Savior’s Church in Maspeth, Queens. St. Savior’s Church was founded in 1847 atop a hill in Maspeth, Queens, on land donated by U.S. Congressman and Maspeth pioneer, James Maurice. Renowned architect, Richard Upjohn, who designed the landmark Trinity Church in Manhattan, also designed St. Savior’s in a Gothic style copied from a church the Maurice family saw while on a trip to Europe. There is a stipulation in the original deed stating that the land may only be used for the purposes of a church. Therefore, the recent sale of the property to a developer who has plans to demolish the historic church and parsonage in order to erect up to 40 homes is illegal. Based on this, the Councilman may obtain an ‘order to show cause’ in New York State Supreme Court, which would stop all work on the property while this is further investigated. Via the City Council, he may also request that the Landmarks Preservation Commission calendar the property for further information gathering and public hearings. The calendaring of a property puts an automatic stop to demolition. While we applaud the councilman’s efforts to have parts of Richmond Hill designated as an historic district, we would appreciate it if he spent as much time and attention fighting on behalf of the historic structures of Maspeth and Middle Village. St. Savior’s Church is located at 57-40 58th Street in Maspeth, Queens.
JUNIPER PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION Contact: Robert Holden, President, Juniper Park Civic Association Tel: 718-651-5865 Email: rholden@junipercivic.comContact: Christina Wilkinson, Executive Board Member, Juniper Park Civic Association Tel: 718-909-3831 Email: nutrichris@rcn.comFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JPCA CALLS ON DOB AND DEP TO ENSURE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF NEIGHBORS OF MASPETH’S ST. SAVIOR’S CHURCH (4/3/06) The Juniper Park Civic Association is asking the New York City Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate procedural violations at the site of St. Savior’s Church in Maspeth, Queens. The owner of this property, namely Maspeth Development LLC, aka Foxwoods Development Corporation, has shown an utter lack of regard for the safety and well being of the members of our community. On 4/2/06, neighbors noticed that asbestos tiles were being removed from the façade of the former church. A Department of Environmental Protection inspector was called to the scene and an argument ensued. The owner originally tried to block the inspector from accessing the property. When the inspector was finally allowed to complete his inspection, he found that the asbestos removal process was being done improperly, and was releasing harmful asbestos into the air that area residents were breathing in. On other occasions, this same owner has harassed people who were taking photos of the property even though they have the legal right to do so and were on public sidewalks or streets at the time. The grounds have also not been maintained adequately and are strewn with refuse. We request that the DOB and DEP consider revoking permits issued for asbestos removal and demolition of the property as the owner has demonstrated that it does not follow safety guidelines or operate in a manner consistent with city building and environmental laws. St. Savior’s Church is located at 57-40 58th Street in Maspeth, Queens. |