By Alexander Dworkowitz
Since Martins Field was found to be a 19th century black and American Indian burial ground a decade ago, the playground and park that now cover the site have caused an uproar.
Activists in the black community have demanded that a memorial be constructed on the Flushing site to honor their ancestors. Neighbors, however, contended they did not want the field transformed into a cemetery.
But when the two sides gathered at the field last Thursday afternoon, they did not bicker, nor did they exchange angry words. Instead they were cordial to one another as they discussed the future of the site.
Activists and neighbors joined Councilman John Liu (D-Flushing) in announcing a long-awaited compromise for the field, on the north side of 46th Avenue between 164th and 165th Streets.
The plan calls for transforming the ground into a memorial park, which would end its use for ball playing and dog-walking. The playground at the southern end of the field would be removed, and a more modern playground would be constructed at the northern end.
“There has finally been a meeting of the minds,” said Mandingo Tshaka, whose ancestors are buried at the site. “The people that are buried here will finally get the respect due them.”
Tshaka, a Bayside resident, sued the city in October over the lack of progress on building a memorial at Martins Field. His case was dismissed in federal court last month.
The compromise was the result of a series of meetings between the two sides that were orchestrated by Liu. The agreement was reached about two weeks ago, Liu said.
The Parks Department has yet to determine the details of the plan or its price tag. Liu said the new landscaping could include planting flowers, shrubbery and trees and also would feature some sort of memorial sign or monument. The chain-link fence surrounding the field will be replaced, possibly by a wrought-iron fence, he said.
“It will be a fitting tribute to the people who are buried here and their descendants,” Liu said. “This will be the first time the city of New York acknowledges the mistake made .”
Nearby residents found the plan acceptable because it includes a playground.
The dilapidated playground at the southern end will become part of the memorial park, and a new playground will be constructed at the northern end, taking up about 10 percent of the site.
Just to the north of Flushing Cemetery, Martins Field was used as a burial ground in the 19th century, according to historical records. In 1935, the city removed headstones from the site and transformed it into a park, and its history was soon forgotten.
In the 1990s, black activists began inquiring into the history of the field, discovering documents indicating its use as a cemetery. In the late 1990s, archeologist Linda Stone determined the remains of 500 to 1,000 people were still buried at the site, most of whom were black or American Indian.
The remains are spread throughout the whole site, including where the new playground is slated to be constructed. Bodies are also buried underneath some homes on 165th Street, Tshaka said.
The compromise does not mean the city will immediately begin work on the field, given the city's lack of funds in the budget crisis.
“I can't speak for the mayor,” Liu said. “This will be my priority. … I will make sure this project moves forward rapidly.”
Liu said he would hold a meeting on the plan for the field once its details are established.
The councilman said Queens Borough President Helen Marshall was supportive of the compromise.
There still remains possible points of contention, however. Tshaka said he would like to see four headstones returned to the site, but Liu called that proposal “out of the question.”
Still, last Thursday's news conference was dominated by a sense of relief that a plan finally had been reached.
“Right now everybody is keeping their cool,” said Mary Durniack, a resident of 165th Street.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 141.
