Controversy over rebuild of Flushing's Macedonia AME Church

From the Times Ledger:

In the midst of the $1 billion Flushing Commons project on Union Street in Flushing, community members are worried about the fate of the Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church and the human remains they believe are buried on the property.

Dr. Richard McEachern, the minister, told a Community Board 7 meeting on Nov. 9, 2015 that the church would be torn down and replaced by a new, but not “oversized” church, according to the meeting minutes. No construction plans have been disclosed publicly or at quarterly church meetings, however, according to church members. McEachern is a member of the community board.

Jim Driscoll, a member of the Queens Historical Society, said he is concerned about the human remains mentioned in an archeological report, originally created in 1988 and confirmed in 2006 by Historical Perspectives Inc., a firm that conducts cultural and archeological research.

The extensive report determined that “current A.M.E. Church property must be considered sensitive for possible human remains.” It also recommended a 15-foot perimeter around three sides of the church to prevent disturbance of potential grave sites connected to Flushing’s historical African-American community.

A response from Steinway & Sons...and useless pols

From the Queens Chronicle:

An anonymous Queens blogger, going by the name George the Atheist, said in an email that, “This heavy construction activity will probably damage the interior and exterior of the building. In my estimation, not only should the mansion be preserved, but also the campus surrounding it — the neighboring lots on which the backhoes, piledrivers and dump trucks are sitting.” The blogger sent an open letter to the owner of Steinway & Sons, the billionaire philanthropist and benefactor John Paulson, who was born and bred in Queens. George is still waiting for a response to the letter. 

"I call Mr. Paulson the deus ex machina," said the Queens blogger. “He is the only one who can, I believe, extricate this architectural mess from the ins and outs of political ignorance.” 

On behalf of Paulson’s piano company, spokesperson Stephen Millikin said in an email that, “Steinway & Sons is extremely proud of its New York heritage and fully supports efforts by local government and civic groups to preserve the Steinway Mansion and uphold its landmark status.” He also noted that since the land is privately owned, the company does not have information on any underway construction. 

The company did not directly respond to a question about whether he has any plans related to the property. The press office of Van Bramer, said, “We have been approached about the mansion and the councilman fully supports the Friends group and would give support in any way he can if there was something he could do, but it’s a tricky situation when it comes to private property.”

Constantinides spoke to the Chronicle about the construction in May. “Making changes that members of the public would want would be a monumental undertaking, needing at least $1.5 million to buy the building, $3 million to renovate it, plus operating funds,” he said. Although many are upset and concerned by what’s happening, the construction is indeed protected by law. 

The Queens Historical Society explained that even though its members care as well, there is not much that they can do. “As long as they are following the law, we don’t really have a leg to stand on,” said the board’s president, Pat Sherwood. 

Jeffrey Kroessler, on the board of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, said he is “boggled” by the construction in a phone interview. “This is willful desecration of the first historical landmark to be named in Queens, and it is definitely a tragedy,” said Kroessler. “If the mansion was located in Manhattan, this would never be accepted.” 

I have reached out to many political leaders, but none of them seem to have any other ideas for the mansion other than these warehouses and have turned their backs on the matter,” he said.

The typical Queens politician/historical society response: "We support you but don't expect anything more than that." Because this is Queens, they get away with it.

A Steinway arts district? Well why the hell not? Use eminent domain. It's been done countless times before. But that would require political will and talent, which is more than kissing the ass of the speaker and mayor whenever possible.

Woodside resident single-handedly cleans up historic cemetery

Let's hope it stays this way. You can see the "before" photos here.

Queens may claim oldest bar in city

From the Daily News:

The oldest gin joint in the city is located in the middle of a quiet Queens neighborhood, according to a borough historian.

Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven opened in 1829, almost 30 years before the fabled McSorley’s Old Ale House was constructed, said Richard Hourahan of the Queens Historical Society.

Hourahan said he conducted the research with a Neir’s owner, Loycent Gordon, to try to sort out fact from fiction about city bars. They were also exploring whether Neir’s can be included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Queens Historical Society honoring John Liu