The potential sale of a small piece of St. Mark's Episcopal Church property in Jackson Heights has sparked community opposition focused on the necessity for park space. Local residents worry that developing the land will diminish the limited area available for children and families. Elected officials, including Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, advocate to keep the land for public use, while the church leadership argues that selling the land can provide necessary resources for ministry. The church's offer includes options like affordable housing or health facilities.
"We need the park space," Brandon Munoz said, emphasizing the community's need for green areas as the sale of St. Mark's Episcopal Church property approaches.
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas stressed, "Our neighborhood is park-starved. We don't need a massive development in the middle of a historic district," highlighting the community’s desire for preservation.
City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan stated, "The speaker of the City Council and I have both allocated together $4 million in the budget towards the eventual purchase of the St. Mark's play yard," illustrating political support for community green space.
Bishop Lawrence Provenzano countered the criticisms, saying, "I think it's a disingenuous representation of what has happened... St. Mark's actually needs the resources to do ministry," noting the church's perspective on property use.
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