BK Church Could Be Saved With $5M In Community Funds

GREENPOINT, NY — Greenpoint locals are hedging their bets on a collective, community-based development model to save a beloved church that has overlooked McGolrick Park for over 100 years.

An impending $4.7 million sale could spell doom for Park Church on Russell Street near Nassau Avenue. Its owners petitioned the Attorney General's office in June to sell the property to a developer with aspirations of a luxury housing development, organizers said.

Now, organizers with CommonPlace are looking to create an even more enticing offer to buy the 115-year-old church with $5 million of crowdfunding to save the church's legacy.

And it looks like the ambitious plan just might work, organizer Jamie Hook said.

In just five days, over 100 people made pledges to invest about $200,000 into the church — a sign that many investors are willing to contribute more than the $1,000 minimum.

"I'm excited because it's tantalizingly possible that this could work," Hook said.

The sale would be facilitated by the New York City Real Estate Investment Cooperative, and, if it goes through, the investors will gain equity in the building and see appropriate returns.

The model is intended to keep property within community control, and Hook says it could have major repercussions on the New York City real estate market.

"This project will pioneer a roadmap for cooperative, community-based investment that advances stability, diversity, vibrancy and cohesion," Hook said in an informational video about the sale. "Our success will prove the viability of an alternative development paradigm, restoring power to the people."

Organizers will also entertain another interested buyer promising to keep the community center intact, Hook said.

Metropolitan New York Synod Council told Patch in September the sale is necessary as attendance drops and the Park Church building crumbles, and it will bring cash to areas that need it.

"This decision was made due to declining worship attendance and safety concerns with the building's structure," a representative said. "The sale proceeds will support the growth of viable congregations, particularly those serving marginalized communities."

The locals have fought hard under the wire to avoid the sale of the church they call a "refuge." Some 5,000 people signed a petition to Attorney General Letitia James and caught her attention.

State law mandates church property sales be approved by the Attorney General or, in some circumstances, a county judge. Despite her office having no objection to the legality of the sale, her office requested a hearing with a judge, during which locals pleaded their case.

Among supporters is state Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, who testified in September Greenpoint needs the community space.

“A church’s core value is bringing people together across differences to really create community," said Gallagher. "While the church may not have been doing that in an official capacity, it has definitely been doing that in a community capacity. ... I will be at a loss once this space is gone.”

And the church could actually be a great investment, Hook said. Greenpoint is overflowing with demand for event space in such a prime location, he said.

"A community venue can be a very successful business. New Yorkers by definition are people people," Hook said. "Our combination of prime location, beautiful space, fun programming and long-term vision from the foundation for a sound business plan."