Archaeological Findings Aid St. Saviour's Campaign
Possible Human Remains Reignite Church Debate
by Colin Gustafson , Assistant Editor, Queens Chronicle
A civic group fighting to preserve a historic church claimed Monday that it had found archaeological evidence suggesting that the city erred in denying landmark status to the property. But city officials said the findings have no bearing on their decision.
According to documents obtained by private consultant Linda Stone, the land surrounding St. Savior’s Church in Maspeth may have served as a 19th century burial ground. The findings are based on an analysis by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which concluded in the mid 1990s that the possible presence of human remains gave the 1.5 acre site major “archaeological potential.”
Members of the Juniper Park Civic Association said this “potential” should be more than enough to merit a landmarking designation for the 159 year old property. If landmarked, the entire site would be protected from a highly controversial plan to build at least 70 units of housing on the property.