More Momentum for Contested Park Slope Burial Site

Remember the empty Park Slope lot between 8th and 9th streets near 3rd Avenue, which some local preservationists believe to be a burial site of Revolutionary War soldiers? Local Councilwoman Sara M. Gonzalez just sent a letter to Mayor Bloomberg “to express my support for the acquisition, exploration, and development of the Marylander Development Site.” The letter goes on to state that she hopes that the city can purchase the site to begin archeological testing and eventually set up a memorial park. This fall the School Construction Authority started taking soil samples at the site because they were eyeing the location for a possible school. After they were alerted to the possibly historic nature of the area, they hired an archeologist to advise. Although there’s been no word on the results of any testing, the political support is certainly good news for the preservationists who fear the lot will be sold for development.
An Archaeologist Will Look at Contested Graveyard Site [Brownstoner]
City Eyes a Possible Historic Grave Site for School [Brownstoner]
Seeking Brooklyn’s Lost Mass Grave [NY Times] GMAP