Bushwick community fights to save historic church as demolition plans move forward
Charred wood, collapsed debris and piles of rubble now surround the church property after a massive three-alarm fire on June 19 severely damaged the 1853 building, a longtime fixture in the neighborhood.
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More than a month after a devastating fire tore through the South Bushwick Reformed Church, community members and church leaders are fighting to preserve what remains of the historic landmark as demolition plans move ahead.
Charred wood, collapsed debris and piles of rubble now surround the church property after a massive three-alarm fire on June 19 severely damaged the 1853 building, a longtime fixture in the neighborhood.
Sean, who witnessed the fire, recalled the chaos that unfolded that night.
"I looked out of the window, saw smoke coming from the building and just left my place," he said. "We were all standing outside, hundreds of people watching it burn for about four hours."
Following the fire, the New York City Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order, citing significant structural damage and concerns that parts of the building could collapse.
With demolition currently planned for August, some residents fear Bushwick could lose not only a historic structure, but a piece of the neighborhood's identity.
"When they started to put the scaffolding up, I assumed that they were gonna try to save this back part," said resident Traceye. "Somebody gonna come in, they're going to be developing and put up a big apartment building that no one except the newcomers can afford to live in."
Church leaders say they are exploring alternatives to a full demolition. According to Pastor James Steward II, engineers hired by the church determined that only part of the structure needs to come down, allowing portions of the parish to be preserved.
"It's been here for 175 years," Steward said. "In saving it, it preserves the landmark status. In demolishing it fully, we've been told that we would likely be landmarked - and then we will be forced to sell."
However, the Department of Buildings says church engineers have not submitted a plan that would safely stabilize the structure or allow for a partial demolition.
As a result, the city is continuing to move forward with plans for a full teardown unless an approved alternative is presented.
Steward says he understands the city's safety concerns but is asking officials to pause the demolition process while additional options are explored.
"Safety, we understand that's the number one concern of the city. And it should be our number one concern as a community," Steward said. "Again, the appeal is that it would be responded to immediately, and a hold would be put on so that we can move forward."
The Department of Buildings tells News 12 that a full demolition remains on track in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Pastor Steward says the church will continue organizing community drives and rallying support in hopes of preserving both the parish and a piece of Bushwick's history.
