Saving a church

From Times Newsweekly 2/16/06:

Residents of Maspeth appealed to the community board to help preserve the historic grounds of a former Episcopal church. As reported in the Times Newsweekly, St. Saviour's Church,located on Rust Street and 57th Road, was recently sold to developers and is targeted for demolition to make room for 30 to 40 multi-family homes.

George Heinz, who resides near the historic church, urged that something be done to preserve the site, which is known in the area as a green oasis in a heavily industrialized area. Though he noted that the property itself fails to meet qualifications for landmark status, the rich history of the land itself is worthy of preservation.

"We absorb a lot of city services down in Maspeth," Heinz said, noting that the police, fire, and sanitation departments all have garages in the area. "But we can't get this beautiful church landmarked. We can't even save the [land] from unscrupulous developers, whose money is totally behind [their] reason for being there. This is the last remaining piece of land in pristine condition in an area that's been heavily industrialized."

The chairperson of Board 5's Environmental Committee, Anthony Nunziato, called upon his colleagues to thwart any plans to raze the property, which is roughly one square block in size. He urged residents and board members to reach out to every possible city agency in order to block any wrecking ball from destroying the site.

"For 150 years, it was supported and used by the community," he said. "For 150 years, the community played, prayed, got married, socialized, and were laid to rest in this church. The community is looking for the help of the board to help preserve the building and the land." Nunziato said that the community has already collected 250 signatures on a petition appealing to city agencies to save the church from destruction. He encouraged his colleagues on the board to do all they can to protect the historic site.