While local residents continue to push for a park at the former property of St. Saviour’s church on 57th Drive and Rust Street in Maspeth, development of warehouses is continuing despite multiple stop work orders from the city Department of Buildings.
Earlier this week, Christina Wilkinson, president of the Newtown Historical Society and one of the many activists pushing for the park, said unsafe excavation and plumbing work has caused part of the sidewalk surrounding the property to cave in and create a sinkhole. The constant rain this week has also created a standing pool inside the property.
“What needs to happen before this unsafe site is shut down? A death?” she said.
The DOB has noted that despite the multiple stop and partial stop work orders, the developers are allowed to complete work to bring the site into compliance. A review of DOB records shows that one of the stop work orders was partially rescinded on August 11 to allow completion of the foundations and other back fillings as needed.
Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) said his office is continually in contact with the DOB to ensure the site is safe for nearby residents.
“He has some stop work orders, but I believe they have been resolved,” Addabbo said. “But there needs to be enforcement, why else have stop work orders? I would impress on the DOB that if a stop work order is in effect, make sure it’s enforced until it is resolved.”
According to recent reports, the city still does not have the funds to purchase the property from the owner. Addabbo said he remains hopeful that some compromise can be worked out with the owner and noted there are other sources of money, particularly from the City Parks Foundation which has set aside several millions dollars for green projects around Newtown Creek, that could be used.
Lydon Sleeper, chief of staff for Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), has also said his office is continually searching for various funds to purchase the site. Currently, the city has appraised the site for approximately $5 million, but the owner has asked for approximately $7 million.
With funds already set aside by Crowley and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, nearly $5 million, Sleeper said the Councilwoman’s office is looking to get the additional funds from outside sources to bridge the gap that remains.
However, Wilkinson has said the city should have started its Uniformed Land Use and Review Procedure (ULURP) months ago. Without completing the ULURP, which can takes months to complete, the city cannot purchase the land.
by Eric Yun
