November 8, 2004
 

Susan Stetzer
District Manager
Community Board #3
59 E. 4th Street
New York, NY 10003

Dear  Susan,

I am writing  in support of Mary Ann C. Hart’s request that the New York City Landmarks Commission  evaluate St. Brigid’s RC Church at 119 Avenue B for Landmark status.  This church has been a beacon of faith throughout it’s history on the Lower East Side and is an important piece of this neighborhood’s history.  The church was designed by Partrick C. Keely, a well-known Irish American architect and constructed in 1848-49.  It was built by Irish Shipwrights, who worked on the East River in the boatyards,  building the schooners that advanced American trade.

Their faces grace the pilasters that support the gothic arches within the church.  It is my understanding that this is one of the few, if not only Keely church, left in New York City containing a reredos carved by Keely himself.

The building developed a crack on the east wall in 2000.  The estimate for repairs at time was $500,000.00.  The congregation had raised some money, but the diocese has decided to close the church an abandon the parish.  There is a NYC Buildings Permit issued to allow the diocese to convert the church into apartments.

Our neighborhood is in the midst of rapid gentrification.  So much of our past here has been destroyed.   It is my understanding that the City recently intervened in the destruction of St. Thomas RC Church in Harlem.  Could you please help us to keep this important piece of Lower East Side history intact.  St. Brigid’s has overlooked Tompkins Square Park almost since it’s inception.  It is many of the prints of the neighborhood scenes from the 1850’s on.  It is a highly visible architectural gem that needs to be preserved as part of New York City’s history.

Again, Thank you for taking the time to review this matter,  I would appreciate hearing from you as to action the Commission decides to take.

Sincerely
 

Carolyn Ratcliffe
Enclosures