(4/18/06) Kenneth Rudzewick, President of Maspeth Federal Savings, called Christina Wilkinson, Chair of Juniper Park Civic Association’s Committee to Save St. Savior’s yesterday and stated that St. Savior's "was just a bunch of decrepit buildings" and that "there is nothing on the property worthy of landmarking." In addition, he stated that the bank has done lots of business with Maspeth Development LLC in the past and that they have the right to demolish the buildings on the property and build what they want.

There will be a rally in front of Maspeth Federal Savings at 69th Street and Grand Avenue on Saturday, April 22nd at 10am to ask Maspeth Federal to intervene and stop the demolition of St. Savior’s. More About the Rally

(4/18/06) The Juniper Park Civic Association is proposing that the St. Savior’s church property would make a fantastic cultural center. The church could be turned into headquarters of the Newtown Historical Society, a museum spotlighting the history of western Queens, including all the neighborhoods that once made up Newtown, including Maspeth, Middle Village, Elmhurst, Glendale and Ridgewood.  Exhibits would include history of the area’s indigenous people, early settlers and slaves.

The Sunday school might become a "hands-on" learning center for area children. There are currently no such learning centers in this area. Adjacent to this and outdoors would be a children’s play area in a natural setting.

The rectory might house an organization to assist veterans, along with a nature center pertaining to the revitalization of Newtown Creek.

The rest of the grounds would be dedicated for use as a passive park and a community garden, so area children (and adults) can learn more about and participate in gardening and farming projects.

This piece of land contains documented references to Native American, African-American, colonial and Newtown Creek history.  Dewitt Clinton and James Maurice, important historical figures, are tied to the land.  As this is the place where the colonization of Queens started, and is an archeologically rich area, it needs to be preserved and the story told.  Our park proposal honors the contributions made by all the people who have shaped western Queens up to this point.

We are wondering why Councilmembers Dennis Gallagher and Melinda Katz have been hesitant to join our effort. It should be they, as our elected representatives, who are at the forefront of this cause. Manhattan just broke ground on a new $170 million park which will cost $6 million a year to operate, yet $6 million is all it would take to purchase the St. Savior’s property - something the city hasn’t even thought of doing. We expect our elected representatives to be actively advocating for more of the budget for parks in Queens so that this proposal may become a reality.