By Madina Toure
Despite a published report that the Macedonia AME Church in Flushing was due to be torn down, the office of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz confirmed that there are no such plans.
In an email dated July 7 to Jackson Heights resident Stephen Barney, 62, who wrote an op-ed for the TimesLedger March 16 against the alleged plan, Susie Tanenbaum, director of immigrant and intercultural affairs for Katz’s office, said that the church does need to undergo renovations but that there are no plans to tear it down.
“Indeed, given the building’s longevity, there are renovations that need to be attended to in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the congregation,” Tanenbaum wrote. “But Macedonia AME as an institution remains very much intact.”
Tanenbaum also touted the church’s history as well as the newly opened Macedonia Plaza, a mixed use development that consists of affordable housing, a community facility space and a retail space.
“It has an illustrious history dating back over 200 years,” she wrote. “The church recently oversaw the construction of an affordable housing complex on its property which is progressing well.”
Established in 1811, Macedonia AME Church is the third oldest church in Flushing.
Barney previously told TimesLedger that the church has sentimental value for him given that there is evidence that his great grandfather is one of the people whose remains is buried in the church’s cemetery.
“I was expecting to hear more opposition, but I think right now, we’re at the stage where a lot of this is being done quietly and it isn’t very well known,” Barney said at the time.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
